Abstract

ObjectiveFertility potential is difficult to predict in cancer survivors. Rates of pregnancy termination in female cancer survivors suggest that unintended pregnancies occur in this population. However, contraceptive use in cancer survivors is not well characterized. This study compares sexual activity, contraceptive use and methods between breast cancer patients and the general population.DesignProspective cohort studyMaterials and Methods84 breast cancer patients 20 and 44 years old were recruited at diagnosis and followed longitudinally for 1 year. Data on sexual activity and contraceptive use were obtained at recruitment and follow up visits and compared to data from the general population reported by the National Survey for Family Growth (2006-2008 cycle). Age-adjusted rates were compared between breast cancer patients and the general population using the chi-square test of proportions.ResultsRates of sexual activity were high in breast cancer patients (mean age 39.0, 20.6-44.9) at diagnosis (80%) and remained high during (72%) and after (70%) chemotherapy (P=NS). These rates were similar to the general population (82%). Among sexually active women, the rate of not using contraception was significantly higher in breast cancer patients (26.9%) than in the general population (8.4%) (RR 3.0 [95% CI 2.0-4.6]). Condoms (34%) and withdrawal/rhythm (15%) were common methods among women with breast cancer.ConclusionSexually active, reproductive-aged breast cancer patients are at higher risk of not using contraception than the general population. Of those using contraception, breast cancer patients are using less efficacious methods than the general population, which may result from limited contraceptive options. Given that fertility potential is difficult to predict in breast cancer survivors, these findings emphasize the importance of addressing their contraceptive needs. ObjectiveFertility potential is difficult to predict in cancer survivors. Rates of pregnancy termination in female cancer survivors suggest that unintended pregnancies occur in this population. However, contraceptive use in cancer survivors is not well characterized. This study compares sexual activity, contraceptive use and methods between breast cancer patients and the general population. Fertility potential is difficult to predict in cancer survivors. Rates of pregnancy termination in female cancer survivors suggest that unintended pregnancies occur in this population. However, contraceptive use in cancer survivors is not well characterized. This study compares sexual activity, contraceptive use and methods between breast cancer patients and the general population. DesignProspective cohort study Prospective cohort study Materials and Methods84 breast cancer patients 20 and 44 years old were recruited at diagnosis and followed longitudinally for 1 year. Data on sexual activity and contraceptive use were obtained at recruitment and follow up visits and compared to data from the general population reported by the National Survey for Family Growth (2006-2008 cycle). Age-adjusted rates were compared between breast cancer patients and the general population using the chi-square test of proportions. 84 breast cancer patients 20 and 44 years old were recruited at diagnosis and followed longitudinally for 1 year. Data on sexual activity and contraceptive use were obtained at recruitment and follow up visits and compared to data from the general population reported by the National Survey for Family Growth (2006-2008 cycle). Age-adjusted rates were compared between breast cancer patients and the general population using the chi-square test of proportions. ResultsRates of sexual activity were high in breast cancer patients (mean age 39.0, 20.6-44.9) at diagnosis (80%) and remained high during (72%) and after (70%) chemotherapy (P=NS). These rates were similar to the general population (82%). Among sexually active women, the rate of not using contraception was significantly higher in breast cancer patients (26.9%) than in the general population (8.4%) (RR 3.0 [95% CI 2.0-4.6]). Condoms (34%) and withdrawal/rhythm (15%) were common methods among women with breast cancer. Rates of sexual activity were high in breast cancer patients (mean age 39.0, 20.6-44.9) at diagnosis (80%) and remained high during (72%) and after (70%) chemotherapy (P=NS). These rates were similar to the general population (82%). Among sexually active women, the rate of not using contraception was significantly higher in breast cancer patients (26.9%) than in the general population (8.4%) (RR 3.0 [95% CI 2.0-4.6]). Condoms (34%) and withdrawal/rhythm (15%) were common methods among women with breast cancer. ConclusionSexually active, reproductive-aged breast cancer patients are at higher risk of not using contraception than the general population. Of those using contraception, breast cancer patients are using less efficacious methods than the general population, which may result from limited contraceptive options. Given that fertility potential is difficult to predict in breast cancer survivors, these findings emphasize the importance of addressing their contraceptive needs. Sexually active, reproductive-aged breast cancer patients are at higher risk of not using contraception than the general population. Of those using contraception, breast cancer patients are using less efficacious methods than the general population, which may result from limited contraceptive options. Given that fertility potential is difficult to predict in breast cancer survivors, these findings emphasize the importance of addressing their contraceptive needs.

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