A qualitative study of the experiences of teenagers and young adults when faced with possible or actual fertility impairment following cancer treatment

Authors:
CRAWSHAW Marilyn, SLOPER Patricia
Publisher:
University of York. Department of Social Policy and Social Work
Publication year:
2006
Pagination:
223p., bibliog.
Place of publication:
York

This study looks in depth at the experiences of young people diagnosed with cancer who find that this may result in their reproductive system becoming damaged. In depth interviews were conducted with thirty eight individuals diagnosed with cancer between ages 13 and 21 and aware of a risk, no matter how small, that their fertility may have been affected. Age at interview ranged from 16 to 30. Recruitment was primarily through three regional paediatric oncology centres in the North of England. There was strong support for being told at diagnosis about the potential impact of treatment on their reproductive system. There was strong support for sperm banking to be offered to all males regardless of their physical or emotional state. Some females would have preferred greater clarity to be offered by doctors about the link between possible interruptions to their menstrual cycle and their reproductive system. Some wanted an explanation at this stage about why egg freezing was not on offer. Overall, coping with the impact of cancer-related fertility concerns was a dynamic process with different aspects arising at different times, in different contexts and in different life stages.

Subject terms:
infertility, young adults, young people, cancer;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
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ISBN print:
1 872159 36 2

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