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Updated: May 25, 2026
08:46
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Fertility preservation practices among Ontario oncologists
Samantha Yee1, Esme Fuller-Thomson, Angela Lau
1Center for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, 250 Dundas Street West, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2Z5, Canada. syee@mtsinai.on.ca
Summary
Ontario physicians rarely alter cancer treatment for fertility preservation. Knowledge gaps exist, particularly regarding referrals for female patients, highlighting the need for targeted physician education.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Medical Education
Background:
- Fertility preservation is a crucial concern for adult cancer patients.
- Physician knowledge and referral practices significantly impact patient access to fertility preservation options.
- Understanding physician perspectives is key to improving fertility preservation counseling in cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess attitudes, knowledge, and referral behaviors regarding fertility preservation among Ontario physicians treating adult cancer patients.
- To identify factors influencing physicians' decisions to discuss or refer for fertility preservation.
- To inform the development of educational interventions for healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- A 48-item questionnaire was distributed to Ontario physicians in medical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, and urology.
- Data from 152 completed questionnaires were analyzed, yielding a response rate of 23.7%.
- Statistical analyses examined associations between physician characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and referral practices.
Main Results:
- 74% of physicians rarely or never modified cancer treatment for fertility concerns.
- Significant differences in fertility preservation knowledge were observed across medical specialties and clinical settings (p < 0.01).
- Knowledge of referral resources strongly predicted referral frequency (p < 0.001); 45% lacked knowledge of where to refer female patients, and 69.7% rarely referred them.
Conclusions:
- Physicians demonstrate positive attitudes towards fertility preservation but possess knowledge deficits regarding cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies.
- Practice setting (teaching hospital/cancer center vs. community) influences knowledge of referral resources.
- Targeted educational programs considering physicians' backgrounds and practice environments are essential to enhance fertility preservation awareness and referral practices.
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