A Qualitative Analysis of Reproductive Issues Raised by Young Australian Women with Breast Cancer

Available literature concentrates on infertility concerns of young women with breast cancer, while attention to psychosocial issues related to maintained or regained fertility is scarce. As part of a longitudinal, qualitative study of experiences of young women with breast cancer (diagnosed at 40 years or younger); (n = 13), concerns about fertility, contraception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding after breast cancer were expressed. Using semistructured, one-to-one interviews over three time phases, we explored these women's experiences. Perceptions of fertility changed over time. Contraception issues were raised together with recurrence fears related to pregnancy and breastfeeding after breast cancer. Decisions related to unplanned pregnancies and breastfeeding were described as particularly onerous.

Co author Associate Professor Carla Patterson died from breast cancer on the August 31, 2005.

We thank Trish Gould, research assistant, from the Centre for Health Research—School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, for her assistance in coding verification of participants' responses for triangulation purposes.

Notes

^aTime since diagnosis at first interview.

^bAges of children at first interview.

^cPostgraduate education (i.e., master's or doctorate degree).