How are women supported in making decisions regarding fertility preservation after a breast cancer diagnosis?

Abstract

Although there has been an increase in fertility preservation treatment options in recent years, existing evidence would suggest that many young women who have breast cancer do not feel well supported in making decisions in this area. A breast cancer diagnosis and the possibility of becoming infertile are known to cause psychological issues for young women and many find it difficult to make decisions at this time, causing them a great deal of stress and anxiety. Given the need for patient-centred care, this literature review looked at the decision-making support given to women with a diagnosis of breast cancer as part of fertility preservation treatment. The review found that women lacked support and struggled to make decisions at this critical point in their lives. The findings of the review suggest that women would benefit from a wide range of decision support interventions prior to and following diagnosis.