TY - JOUR
T1 - The unmet need for oncofertility preservation in women
T2 - Results of a survey by different oncological specialists in Lazio, Italy
AU - Fabi, Alessandra
AU - Lanzetta, Gaetano
AU - Vizza, Enrico
AU - Corsi, Domenico
AU - Moscetti, Luca
AU - Spinelli, Giampaolo
AU - Mentuccia, Lucia
AU - Lalle, Maurizio
AU - Perrone, Maria
AU - Baiocco, Linda
AU - Falcicchio, Chiara
AU - Milani, Annalisa
AU - Giannarelli, Diana
AU - Cognetti, Francesco
AU - Pugliese, Patrizia
PY - 2019/12
Y1 - 2019/12
N2 - In recent years, we have witnessed a growing interest in the prevention of the loss of reproductive efficacy in young women as a result of cancer or its treatments. Indeed, recent studies have shown that loss of fertility impacts deeply on young women and sometimes may be even more stressful than the cancer diagnosis itself. In fact, the risk of treatment-associated infertility and premature menopause is a major concern for patients. Nevertheless, the approach to fertility preservation in women diagnosed with cancer is far from being standardized, and counseling strategies are poorly adopted in clinical practice. In Italy, the federal structure of public health makes it difficult to refer patients to local referral centers experienced in fertility preservation. In particular, a need exists to identify oncologists in the Lazio region specialized in fertility preservation and those facilities who are able to counsel patients regarding their sexuality. For these reasons, the Lazio section of Italian Association of Medical Oncology has led an oncofertility and oncosexuality survey to assess deficiencies in the path to start fertility preservation procedures and to help patients with cancer-related sexual problems. In total, 273 healthcare providers participated in the survey. Overall, the participants had a low interest in their patients’ infertility problems, which led to a poor referral of patients to fertility preservation centers. This behavior demonstrated by healthcare providers is attributed to the necessity to rapidly start oncological treatments, the lack of knowledge of referral centers, and the little experience in tackling the subject with the patients. The interviewees also recognize communication difficulties related to lack of information on issues, absence of rehabilitations paths, and embarrassment.
AB - In recent years, we have witnessed a growing interest in the prevention of the loss of reproductive efficacy in young women as a result of cancer or its treatments. Indeed, recent studies have shown that loss of fertility impacts deeply on young women and sometimes may be even more stressful than the cancer diagnosis itself. In fact, the risk of treatment-associated infertility and premature menopause is a major concern for patients. Nevertheless, the approach to fertility preservation in women diagnosed with cancer is far from being standardized, and counseling strategies are poorly adopted in clinical practice. In Italy, the federal structure of public health makes it difficult to refer patients to local referral centers experienced in fertility preservation. In particular, a need exists to identify oncologists in the Lazio region specialized in fertility preservation and those facilities who are able to counsel patients regarding their sexuality. For these reasons, the Lazio section of Italian Association of Medical Oncology has led an oncofertility and oncosexuality survey to assess deficiencies in the path to start fertility preservation procedures and to help patients with cancer-related sexual problems. In total, 273 healthcare providers participated in the survey. Overall, the participants had a low interest in their patients’ infertility problems, which led to a poor referral of patients to fertility preservation centers. This behavior demonstrated by healthcare providers is attributed to the necessity to rapidly start oncological treatments, the lack of knowledge of referral centers, and the little experience in tackling the subject with the patients. The interviewees also recognize communication difficulties related to lack of information on issues, absence of rehabilitations paths, and embarrassment.
KW - Oncofertility
KW - Ovarian tissue preservation
KW - Young cancer
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U2 - 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2019.05.002
DO - 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2019.05.002
M3 - Article
C2 - 31126661
AN - SCOPUS:85065885509
VL - 43
JO - Current Problems in Cancer
JF - Current Problems in Cancer
SN - 0147-0272
IS - 6
M1 - 100479
ER -