A prospective study on contraceptives used by reproductive-aged patients with breast cancer and the assessment of information.

Abstract

173 Background: For reproductive-aged breast cancer (BC) patients, contraception is needed during and after treatment. Few data are available concerning the methods used in the real life and the comprehension of patients. The main objective of our study was to describe the contraceptive practice and to identify the need of information for these patients. Methods: We conducted a survey in young BC patients treated at the National Institute of Oncology Rabat–Morocco. We analyzed the contraceptive methods used. Then, we assessed the level of information and counseling about contraception for this population. The SPSS 10.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: 72 patients respond to the survey. The mean age was 41.4 ± 6.3 years. 79.2% had localized disease. 97.2 % were under treatment. The sexual activity was maintained in 69.4%. The contraceptive methods used before the diagnosis and after the announcement are summarized in the Table. 52 pts were informed that the hormonal contraception were not recommended. 86.5% had this information from doctors. 67.3% were informed at the moment of announcement of diagnosis, 17.6% at the consultation of surgery, 29.4% before starting chemotherapy, 35.3% during chemotherapy and 17.6% at the end of treatment. After information about the contraceptive methods, 50 % used a masculine condom, 15.7% had a copper IUD, 18.6% used external ejaculation, 14.3% on patient had a tubal ligation and 14.3% didn’t use a contraception method. 66% patients of patients had not asked about contraceptive methods. The reasons: abstinence: 31.3%, the disease is more important than the contraception: 14.6%. Conclusions: Our study found that there is a lack of information concerning contraception for young BC patients. A contraceptive counseling is highly needed to decrease the risk of pregnancy during treatment. [Table: see text]