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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 12/2016

01-11-2016 | Breast Oncology

Oncofertility Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Canadian Breast Surgeons

Authors: Ellen Warner, MD, MSc, Samantha Yee, PhD, Erin Kennedy, MD, PhD, Karen Glass, MD, Shu Foong, MD, Maureen Seminsky, RN, May Lynn Quan, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 12/2016

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Abstract

Background

Guidelines recommend that oncologists discuss treatment-related fertility issues with young cancer patients as early as possible after diagnosis and, if appropriate, expedite referral for fertility preservation (FP). This study sought to determine the attitudes and practices of Canadian breast surgeons regarding fertility issues, as well as barriers to and facilitators of fertility discussion and referrals.

Methods

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 28 site lead surgeons (SLSs) at 28 (97 %) of 29 centers (25 % cancer centers, 64 % teaching hospitals) across Canada participating in RUBY, a pan-Canadian research program for young women with breast cancer. In addition, 56 (65 %) of 86 of their surgical colleagues (non-site lead surgeons [NSLSs]) completed an online survey of their oncofertility knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results

Of the 28 SLSs (43 % male, 36 % in practice <10 years), 46 % had inadequate oncofertility knowledge, 25 % discussed fertility only if mentioned by the patient, 21 % believed fertility discussion and referral were the mandate of the medical oncologist, and 45 % did not know of an FP center in their area. More than 80 % of the NSLSs (54 % male, 30 % in practice <10 years) were unfamiliar with oocyte or embryo cryopreservation; 36 % never or rarely discussed fertility issues; and 51 % thought referral to a fertility specialist was not their responsibility.

Conclusions

Oncofertility knowledge was low among the SLSs, especially the NSLSs, and barriers to referral were identified. An oncofertility knowledge translation intervention specifically for breast surgeons is being developed to increase surgeon knowledge and awareness of oncofertility issues and referral.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Oncofertility Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Canadian Breast Surgeons
Authors
Ellen Warner, MD, MSc
Samantha Yee, PhD
Erin Kennedy, MD, PhD
Karen Glass, MD
Shu Foong, MD
Maureen Seminsky, RN
May Lynn Quan, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-11-2016
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 12/2016
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-016-5423-9

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