Reproductive health assessment for women with cancer: a pilot study

The purpose of this study was to pilot a survey instrument and to develop descriptive data about the reproductive goals of reproductive-aged women (15-44 years) with cancer.

This was a cross-sectional pilot survey study of 20 women who were diagnosed with various types of cancers at the oncology clinic of Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, from January-July 2006.

Of the 20 patients whose cases were surveyed, the mean age was 36.6 years, and 90% of the women had breast cancer. Ten percent of patients would continue pregnancy, if they became pregnant while receiving treatment. Contraception was used by 55% of patients (n = 11), of whom 55% of the women (n = 6) were using abstinence.

The result of this pilot study demonstrates the need for reproductive health counseling in women with cancer; the range of discussion must include fertility interest, contraception, and fertility preservation.