Fertility-Related Concerns and Uncertainties in Adolescent and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors

Purpose:This study aimed to uncover the fertility-related concerns and uncertainties in adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors. Methods:In this qualitative study, participants were recruited from an oncohematology outpatient clinic at a university hospital in Brazil. Twenty-four AYA cancer survivors, aged 18- 24 years (13 men and 11 women), participated in individual semistructured interviews focusing on two parts-sociodemographic and clinical variables and guiding questions that enabled understanding of the concerns and uncertainties regarding the risks of infertility and their impact on relationships and the need for guidance. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results:Four themes were identified from the data-(1) knowledge about fertility, (2) emotional impact and fertility-related uncertainty, (3) sharing the possible risk of infertility with partners, and (4) need for information on possible loss of fertility. Conclusion:The meanings attributed to the loss of fertility after cancer treatment uncovered the need for health professionals to organize survivor services in line with the survivors' needs, and include reproductive concerns and uncertainties in this planning. The study results provide insights for the development of health care services that meet the real needs of this particular population that has long-term follow-up demands.

Automated summary

This study reveals the fertility-related concerns and uncertainties in adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of understanding fertility risks, emotional impact of infertility, sharing risks with partners, and the need for fertility information. The findings highlight the importance of organizing survivor services that address reproductive concerns and uncertainties to meet the long-term follow-up demands of this specific population.