Fertility Management After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Investigation of Women's Experiences of and Recommendations for Professional Care

Abstract

Breast cancer and its treatment in reproductive-age women can reduce fertility and compromise family formation. To learn about women's experiences of fertility-related cancer care we interviewed 10 women (aged 26–45), at least one year postdiagnosis. Thematic analysis revealed that all women, including one who chose to be child-free, valued fertility and motherhood. They reported experiencing varied fertility-related care, from support for fertility preservation to apparent disregard of their fertility concerns. Women's needs were heterogeneous, but all wanted health care providers to communicate fertility options and avoid assumptions about women's fertility desires while working to extend each woman's life.

Acknowledgments

We thank the women who granted us the great privilege of hearing their stories. They were generous with their time and thoughtful in considering the ramifications of their experiences.