Discussing fertility preservation options with patients with cancer.

摘要

Another inhibiting factor is the nature of the relationship between patient and oncologist. For example, Rieker et al8 have suggested that oncologists may be more likely to discuss sperm banking with patients with whom they share a perceived similar status (eg, highly educated patients).8 Physicians have reported that certain patient characteristics can influence the likelihood that they would discuss fertility preservation, including a patient's prognosis,4-6 sex,4-5 parenting status,4 marital status,6 age/pubertal status,5 ability to pay for such treatments,6 and even whether a patient is homosexual or is infected with human immunodeficiency virus.4-6 The inability of cancer survivors to become parents is an increasing concern widiin the oncofertility community, and, as the above research suggests,4"6 some patient groups may have less access to fertility preservation options prior to cancer treatment. More research is needed to identify additional constituents who may be missing this information, and best-practice guidelines would benefit from highlighting potentially vulnerable groups and suggesting strategies to meet their unique fertility concerns.