Abstract
Data have demonstrated an association between regret and lack of fertility counseling among patients undergoing treatment for non-gynecologic cancers. We sought to determine if fertility-related regret is reduced with pre-treatment counseling or fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in patients with gynecologic cancers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 593 reproductive-age survivors (18-40years old at diagnosis) of localized cervix, ovarian, or endometrial cancers that were eligible for FSS. A validated decision regret score was used to evaluate regret in patients. Four hundred seventy women completed the survey. Forty-six percent received pre-treatment counseling about treatment's effects on fertility. Having received counseling (adjusted ß-coefficient of -1.24, 95% CI = -2.29 to -0.18, p = 0.02), satisfactory counseling (adjusted ß-coefficient of -2.71, 95% CI = -3.86 to -1.57, p < 0.001), and FSS (adjusted ß-coefficient of -1.26, 95% CI = -2.39 to -0.14, p = 0.03) were associated with lower regret post-treatment, after adjusting for age. Time since diagnosis, prior parity, socioeconomic status and cancer type were not associated with regret (p > 0.05). While 50% of women reported desiring more children after diagnosis, desire for children after treatment was associated with increased regret (adjusted ß-coefficient of 3.97, 95% CI = 2.92-5.02, p < 0.001). Though less than half of study participants received counseling about the effect of cancer treatment on future fertility, both fertility counseling and FSS were associated with decreased regret in reproductive-aged women with gynecologic cancers. The desire for more children after treatment was associated with increased regret. Inquiring about fertility desires and providing counseling regarding reproductive outcomes following cancer treatment should be implemented as part of the treatment process.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.