Related Experiment Videos
Oncologists' attitudes and practices regarding banking sperm before cancer treatment
Leslie R Schover1, Kimberly Brey, Alan Lichtin
1University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. lschover@mdanderson.org
Purpose:
The goal of this study was to survey oncologists in three different practice settings to determine their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding referring patients to bank sperm before cancer treatment.
Methods:
A postal survey about knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding banking sperm before cancer treatment was sent to 718 oncology staff physicians and fellows at two cancer centers and at sites in a Community Clinical Oncology Program.
Results:
The return rate was 24% and did not differ by institution, oncologic specialty, or sex. Fellows were significantly more likely to participate (37%) than staff physicians (20%). Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed that sperm banking should be offered to all men at risk of infertility as a result of cancer treatment, but 48% either never bring up the topic or mention it to less than a quarter of eligible men. Neither greater knowledge about sperm banking nor seeing large numbers of eligible men yearly increased the likelihood of discussing the option. Barriers cited included lack of time for the discussion, perceived high cost, and lack of convenient facilities. Oncologists reported they would be less likely to offer sperm banking to men who were homosexual, HIV-positive, had a poor prognosis, or had aggressive tumors. Oncologists overestimated the costs of sperm banking and the number of samples needed to make cryopreservation worthwhile.
Conclusion:
Sperm banking should be offered as an option to all men at risk of infertility because of their cancer treatment. Clearer practice standards could help oncologists increase their knowledge about sperm banking and avoid dependence on biased patient selection criteria.
Insights
Oncologists widely agree on offering sperm banking to cancer patients but often fail to discuss it due to time, cost, and biased selection. Clearer standards are needed to ensure all at-risk men are offered fertility preservation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Cancer treatments can cause infertility, impacting male patients' reproductive health.
- Fertility preservation options like sperm banking are crucial for men undergoing cancer therapy.
- Understanding oncologist perspectives is key to improving access to fertility preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess oncologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sperm banking referrals.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to offering sperm banking in clinical practice.
- To compare practices across different oncology practice settings.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was distributed to 718 oncology staff physicians and fellows.
- Participants were from two cancer centers and a Community Clinical Oncology Program.
- Response rate was 24%, with higher participation from fellows.
Main Results:
- 91% of oncologists believe sperm banking should be offered, yet 48% rarely discuss it.
- Barriers include lack of time, perceived cost, and facility access.
- Oncologists showed bias, being less likely to offer banking to homosexual, HIV-positive, or poor-prognosis patients, and overestimated costs.
Conclusions:
- Sperm banking is an essential option for men at risk of infertility due to cancer treatment.
- Improved practice standards are necessary to enhance oncologist knowledge and reduce biased patient selection.
- Ensuring equitable access to fertility preservation is critical for cancer patients.