Oncologists and hematologists’ perceptions of fertility-related communication – a nationwide survey

AbstractBackground: Despite the negative impacts of several cancer treatments on fertility, many patients do not recall having fertility-related discussions with their physicians. This study was conducted to identify those factors related to physicians’ discussing the treatment impacts on fertility with cancer patients of reproductive age.Material and methods: In this nationwide survey of cancer care physicians (n = 329, response rate 55%), oncologists and hematologists (mainly) completed a questionnaire on practice behavior, barriers, attitudes and confidence in knowledge regarding treatment-related fertility risks. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with not routinely discussing fertility issues with patients.Results: Most of the physicians agreed that they were responsible for discussing fertility issues with patients of reproductive age (91%), but approximately 30% did not do so regularly. Those factors decreasing the likelihood of discussion were: patient alrea...