Cancer and fertility

Background Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are under-represented in research. Social media is increasingly used for recruitment given its ability to reach large audiences. Differences in participant characteristics and potential biases due to recruitment source are not well understood. Purpose This study aimed to: (a) compare recruitment strategies (hospital-based v. social media) in enrollment metrics, and (b) among enrolled participants, evaluate group differences in patient characteristics and patient reported outcomes (PROs). Methods Preliminary data from a cancer and fertility study with female AYAs were evaluated. Hospital-based recruitment used electronic medical records (EMR) to identify eligible patients. Social media recruitment involved posting on partner organizations’ social media outlets. PROs included validated measures related to the parent study. Descriptive statistics evaluated recruitment metrics. Independent samples t-tests and chi-square identified differences in participant characteristics and PROs based on recruitment. Results Social media yielded a higher enrollment rate (37%; n = 54/146) compared with hospital-based recruitment (7%; n = 21/289) and required fewer study resources. Compared with hospital-based recruitment, participants from social media were more likely to be White ( p = 0.01), with a longer time since treatment ( p = 0.03); and reported higher levels of reproductive concern ( p = 0.004) and negative mood ( p = 0.02), and more negative illness perceptions ( ps < 0.05). Conclusion Recruitment via social media may be a more effective and efficient strategy compared with hospital-based methods. However, group differences were identified that could bias findings and limit generalizability. Advantages of social media should be considered with an understanding of how methodology may impact enrollment and results.

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Breast cancer and fertility preservation

Principles and Practice of Fertility Preservation ◽

10.1017/cbo9780511921896.008 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 49-61

Author(s):

Carol Fabian ◽

Jennifer Klemp

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Fertility Preservation ◽

Cancer And Fertility

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Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates’ Action on Reproductive Processes and Reproductive Health: A Literature Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17186811 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (18) ◽

pp. 6811

Author(s):

Henrieta Hlisníková ◽

Ida Petrovičová ◽

Branislav Kolena ◽

Miroslava Šidlovská ◽

Alexander Sirotkin

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Human Health ◽

Intracellular Signaling ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Membrane Receptors ◽

Reproductive Disorders ◽

Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome ◽

Fertility Disorders ◽

Reproductive Processes ◽

Cancer And Fertility

The production of plastic products, which requires phthalate plasticizers, has resulted in the problems for human health, especially that of reproductive health. Phthalate exposure can induce reproductive disorders at various regulatory levels. The aim of this review was to compile the evidence concerning the association between phthalates and reproductive diseases, phthalates-induced reproductive disorders, and their possible endocrine and intracellular mechanisms. Phthalates may induce alterations in puberty, the development of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females. At the hormonal level, phthalates can modify the release of hypothalamic, pituitary, and peripheral hormones. At the intracellular level, phthalates can interfere with nuclear receptors, membrane receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and modulate gene expression associated with reproduction. To understand and to treat the adverse effects of phthalates on human health, it is essential to expand the current knowledge concerning their mechanism of action in the organism.

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Oncologists' use of patient educational materials about cancer and fertility preservation

Psycho-Oncology ◽

10.1002/pon.2022 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (11) ◽

pp. 1244-1249 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Gwendolyn P. Quinn ◽

Susan T. Vadaparampil ◽

Teri Malo ◽

Joyce Reinecke ◽

Bethanne Bower ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fertility Preservation ◽

Educational Materials ◽

Cancer And Fertility

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Endometrial cancer and fertility

Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology ◽

10.1097/01.gco.0000193012.11523.c5 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 245-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Beth W. Rackow ◽

Aydin Arici

Keyword(s):

Endometrial Cancer ◽

Cancer And Fertility

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Cancer and Fertility Program Improves Patient Satisfaction With Information Received

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2015.64.5168 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (15) ◽

pp. 1780-1786 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Joanne F. Kelvin ◽

Bridgette Thom ◽

Catherine Benedict ◽

Jeanne Carter ◽

Stacie Corcoran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Clinical Nurse Specialist ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Nurse Specialist ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Nurse ◽

Specialist Consultation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cancer And Fertility

Purpose A cancer and fertility program was established at a large cancer center to support clinicians in discussing treatment-related fertility risks and fertility preservation (FP) options with patients and in referring patients to reproductive specialists. The program provides resources, clinician education, and fertility clinical nurse specialist consultation. This study evaluated the program’s impact on patient satisfaction with information received. Patients and Methods Retrospective cross-sectional surveys assessed satisfaction before (cohort 1 [C1]) and after (cohort 2 [C2]) program initiation. Questionnaires were investigator-designed, gender-specific, and anonymous. Results Most C1 (150 males, 271 females) and C2 (120 males, 320 females) respondents were 2 years postdiagnosis; the most frequently reported cancers were testicular, breast, and lymphoma. A significant difference in satisfaction with the amount of information received was seen between C1 and C2. For males, satisfaction with information on fertility risks was high in both cohorts but significantly greater in C2 for information on sperm banking (χ2 = 9.3, P = .01) and finding a sperm bank (χ2 = 13.3, P = .001). For females, satisfaction with information was significantly greater in C2 for information on fertility risks (χ2 = 62.1, P < .001), FP options (χ2 = 71.9, P < .001), help with decision making (χ2 = 80.2, P < .001), and finding a reproductive endocrinologist (χ2 = 60.5, P < .001). Among patients who received and read information materials, 96% of males and 99% of females found them helpful. Among C2 females, fertility clinical nurse specialist consultation was associated with significantly greater satisfaction with information on FP options (χ2 = 11.2, P = .004), help with decision making (χ2 = 10.4, P = .006), and finding a reproductive endocrinologist (χ2 = 22.6, P < .001), with 10% reporting lack of knowledge as a reason for not pursuing FP. Conclusion Improvements in patient satisfaction with information received demonstrate the potential for fertility programs in cancer care settings to improve the quality of clinician-patient discussions about fertility.

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