A Review of the Oncology Patient's Challenges for Utilizing Fertility Preservation Services

Abstract

The American Society of Clinical Oncology issued practice guidelines in 2006 to provide critical information about fertility impact to adolescents and young adults (AYA) at the time of cancer diagnosis. Survivors continue to express concerns about their long-term reproductive health after cancer therapy even as treatment options for fertility preservation evolve. An underutilization of fertility preservation methods by cancer patients continues to persist. A review of the literature cites barriers and challenges that limit fertility information and preservation options for AYA cancer patients. A review of medical literature was conducted to examine current practice for patients receiving fertility information and the barriers to patients receiving fertility preservation services. A total of 69 publications were included in this review. The review summarizes (1) patient experiences with receiving fertility information and (2) patient desires, barriers, and challenges to utilizing fertility preservation services. Despite advances in fertility preservation, there are challenges for patients to utilizing fertility preservation services. Barriers include the following: urgency to initiate treatment, inadequate information, clinic time constraints, and perceptions around patients' gender, age, cost, parity, race, relationship, and sociodemographic status influence whether patients receive fertility preservation consultation. Patients report a lack of adequate information to make informed fertility decisions.