Abstract
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to help to promote a better understanding of the male fertility preservation status in China.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey, 1,912 healthcare providers and oncologists were surveyed anonymously using 16 questions carried out at community oncology practices in China from September 2018 to April 2021. 16 questions were designed to evaluate their knowledge on male fertility preservation in cancer patients, assess the factors they considered when deciding whether to discuss male fertility preservation with their patients.ResultsAmong the 1,912 healthcare providers (42.2% male), 1,713 (89.6%) considered that patients with cancer should be recommended for fertility preservation. 1,264 (66.1%) respondents were aware of male fertility preservation, but only 248 (13.0%) respondents knew the correct institutions. Whether a healthcare provide recommended fertility preservation to their patients depended on the provider's educational background, professional qualifications, hospital grade, area, department, and age. Among the healthcare providers, the three main factors for not recommending fertility preservation for patients with cancer were lack of suitability of the patient for fertility (28.2%), lack of knowledge of fertility preservation (28.6%), and lack of knowledge concerning the institutes that provide fertility preservation (25.4%).ConclusionDespite this, healthcare providers and oncologists in China showed a positive attitude toward fertility preservation in patients with cancer. Hence, the education of physicians should include fertility preservation, with the aim of increasing their knowledge and awareness. There should be more collaboration between oncologists and reproductive medicine specialists.
Highlights
Cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing in China, and before 45 years of age, the incidence rates of cancer in male and female patients were 193.2 and 241.7 per 100,000 individuals in 2015, respectively [1]
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published a guideline on fertility preservation (FP) for adults and children with cancer; oncologists were recommended to discuss the possibility of infertility with reproductive-age patients and offer referrals for FP consultation [3,4,5]
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology guidelines suggested that the oncologists should talk to their patients about the risk to fertility and make referrals if necessary to a center specializing in FP
Summary
Cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing in China, and before 45 years of age (within the reproductive window), the incidence rates of cancer in male and female patients were 193.2 and 241.7 per 100,000 individuals in 2015, respectively [1]. The patients may be initially focused on their cancer diagnosis and treatment, healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients about the potential risk of infertility as early as possible during the treatment process to permit a wider range of FP options [3]. Despite these guidelines, referrals by oncologists are made inconsistently, and many reproductive-age patients still undergo treatment without any discussion regarding FP [6]
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