Does Oncology Specialty Impact Discussion of Fertility Options With Cancer Patients Of Childbearing Age?

Does Oncology Specialty Impact Discussion of Fertility Options With Cancer Patients Of Childbearing Age? Josh DiGregorio Fertility preservation is an important quality of life issue for many cancer patients, specifically those of child bearing age. Chemotherapy and radiation may be associated with loss of ovarian and testicular function, causing permanent infertility. Recent guidelines by American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Reproductive Medicine have recognized oncologist as having the central role in providing fertility information to cancer patients. A survey was conducted among oncology specialties from the AMA masterfile to identify fertility preservation discussion trends with cancer patients of childbearing age. A 53-item survey was mailed to 1800 oncology specialty physicians. The survey measured physician’s knowledge on fertility preservation, practices, and attitudes. With a response rate of 35% the results included Medical Oncologist/Hematologist (n=167), Radiation Oncologist (n=107), and Surgical Oncologist (n=107). Radiation Oncologist (82%) and Medical Oncologist (84%) were more likely to respond that they “Always/Often” discuss the impact of cancer treatments on fertility with patients compared to Surgical Oncologist (45.8%). Surgical Oncologists may be missing an opportunity to discuss fertility preservation with young patients prior to the initiation of cancer therapies