Understanding the Role of Family and Partner Support in Fertility Decision-Making Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Insights from a National Australian Study

Post by A/Prof Michelle Peate

Getting diagnosed with cancer as a young person can be overwhelming. It not only affects your health but also brings up worries about the future, including the ability to have children. We aimed to understand how young people with cancer and their families make decisions about preserving their fertility. By exploring their experiences, we hope to improve the support and care available to these individuals.
 
Understanding Fertility Concerns
Cancer treatments can sometimes affect fertility, making it harder to become pregnant or have biological children later on. Fertility preservation offers options to protect fertility, but it comes with its own risks and considerations. The decision to pursue fertility preservation is complex, as young patients must weigh their desire for children against the costs and chances of success, all while dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis.
 
The Importance of Family and Partner Support
Family and partners play a crucial role in the lives of young people with cancer. They help navigate the challenges of treatment and provide emotional support. In this study, researchers wanted to understand how family members and partners contribute to the decision-making process regarding fertility preservation. 
 
Key Findings
The study involved 196 young cancer patients in Australia. 

• Fertility Discussions: About 83% of participants were informed by healthcare providers that their cancer treatment could affect their fertility. Most participants felt that these discussions happened at the right time and were handled well by their healthcare team.
• Fertility Preservation Decision-Making: Among the participants, 63% pursued fertility preservation. Interestingly, more males than females chose this option. Parents played a significant role in decision-making, with around two-thirds of participants involving at least one parent. Mothers were particularly involved and were helpful by the young patients. Fathers also played a supportive role.
• Involvement of Partners and Siblings: While parents were actively involved, partners and siblings had less participation in the decision-making process. However, those who were involved were helpful by the young patients.

 
In summary, this Australian study sheds light on the experiences of young cancer patients when it comes to making decisions about preserving their fertility. It highlights the importance of involving parents, especially mothers and fathers, in these discussions. Their support is valuable in helping young patients make informed choices about fertility preservation. The study also emphasizes the need to explore how partners and siblings can contribute to these decisions. By understanding the dynamics of family and partner support, healthcare providers can improve the care and support available to young cancer patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and well-being as they continue their cancer journey.
 
Read more here: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jayao.2023.0037
 
Citation: Marino JL et al. Experiences of Family and Partner Support in Fertility Decision-Making Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A National Australian Study. JAYAO 2023.
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Acknowledgements: ChatGPT was used to generate this content