[Survey on oncologists-provided information on treatment-related infertility to breast cancer patients]

Treatment-related infertility is an important issue facing breast cancer survivors of childbearing age. A previous study at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 2000 and 2004 analyzed 136 postoperative breast cancer patients under 40 years old, and found that only 7% of them had been provided with information on fertility-related issues by their treating physicians. However, the way in which information is shared may have changed, given the recent publication of national and international guidelines on fertility issues in cancer patients, and we hypothesized that there will be an increase in the percentage of cases in which information about fertility-related issues is provided.

We retrospectively analyzed patients 40 years old or younger who underwent surgery for primary breast cancer in this hospital between 2007 and 2009. We assessed patients' and oncologists' backgrounds, pathological stage, treatment plans, and whether or not oncologists provided explanations regarding fertility-related issues.

One hundred cases were analyzed. Five percent, 15%, and 80%of patients were < 30, 30-35, and $gt;35 years old, respectively. Sixty-one percent of patients had partners, while 29%had prior deliveries. Information on fertility-related issues was provided to 56% of patients. Significant factors influencing whether information was provided were patients' reproductive history (odds ratio(OR): 5. 717, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.752- 18.66, p=0. 004) and recommended treatment(OR: 24.22, CI: 3.150-186. 2, p=0. 017). By contrast, oncologists' background( specialty, gender, and duration of career as a physician)was not significant. The frequency with which treatment plans were changed did not correlate statistically with the provision of information on fertility-related issues.

Information on treatment-related infertility is now provided much more frequently than in the past. We should encourage both patients and medical professionals to increase their awareness about this important issue.