PURPOSE: Little is known about pregnancy attempts among female young cancer survivors (YCS). We sought to determine fertility preservation (FP), demographic, cancer, and reproductive characteristics associated with pregnancy attempts after cancer. METHODS: We recruited 251 female YCS (ages 18-44) to complete a survey on reproductive health outcomes. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate relative risks (RR) for characteristics associated with pregnancy attempts. RESULTS: For the entire cohort, median time since cancer diagnosis was 2.4 years (interquartile range 4.0). Fifty-two YCS (21%) attempted pregnancy after cancer diagnosis. In unadjusted analyses, lack of FP therapy prior to cancer treatment, older age, partnered relationship, higher income, no history of stem cell or bone marrow transplant, and longer duration of survivorship were significantly associated with pregnancy attempts. In multivariable analyses, YCS who did not undergo FP therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt pregnancy as those who did undergo FP therapy (RR 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 4.3). Partnered status (RR 7.1, 95% CI 2.5, 20.2) and >2 years since cancer diagnosis (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3, 4.1) were also significantly associated with attempts. CONCLUSIONS: In YCS, milestones including partnered relationships and longer duration of cancer survivorship are important to attempting pregnancy. A novel, inverse association between FP therapy and pregnancy attempts warrants further study. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Pregnancy attempts after cancer were more likely after attaining both social- and cancer-related milestones. As these milestones require time, YCS should be made aware of their potential for concomitant, premature loss of fertility in order to preserve their range of fertility options.
PURPOSE: Little is known about pregnancy attempts among female young cancer survivors (YCS). We sought to determine fertility preservation (FP), demographic, cancer, and reproductive characteristics associated with pregnancy attempts after cancer. METHODS: We recruited 251 female YCS (ages 18-44) to complete a survey on reproductive health outcomes. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate relative risks (RR) for characteristics associated with pregnancy attempts. RESULTS: For the entire cohort, median time since cancer diagnosis was 2.4 years (interquartile range 4.0). Fifty-two YCS (21%) attempted pregnancy after cancer diagnosis. In unadjusted analyses, lack of FP therapy prior to cancer treatment, older age, partnered relationship, higher income, no history of stem cell or bone marrow transplant, and longer duration of survivorship were significantly associated with pregnancy attempts. In multivariable analyses, YCS who did not undergo FP therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt pregnancy as those who did undergo FP therapy (RR 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 4.3). Partnered status (RR 7.1, 95% CI 2.5, 20.2) and >2 years since cancer diagnosis (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3, 4.1) were also significantly associated with attempts. CONCLUSIONS: In YCS, milestones including partnered relationships and longer duration of cancer survivorship are important to attempting pregnancy. A novel, inverse association between FP therapy and pregnancy attempts warrants further study. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Pregnancy attempts after cancer were more likely after attaining both social- and cancer-related milestones. As these milestones require time, YCS should be made aware of their potential for concomitant, premature loss of fertility in order to preserve their range of fertility options.
Authors: Michael Gnant; Brigitte Mlineritsch; Herbert Stoeger; Gero Luschin-Ebengreuth; Dietmar Heck; Christian Menzel; Raimund Jakesz; Michael Seifert; Michael Hubalek; Gunda Pristauz; Thomas Bauernhofer; Holger Eidtmann; Wolfgang Eiermann; Guenther Steger; Werner Kwasny; Peter Dubsky; Gerhard Hochreiner; Ernst-Pius Forsthuber; Christian Fesl; Richard Greil Journal: Lancet Oncol Date: 2011-06-05 Impact factor: 41.316
Authors: Michael Joffe; Jane Key; Nicky Best; Niels Keiding; Thomas Scheike; Tina Kold Jensen Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2005-06-22 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Sally A Dominick; Mamie R McLean; Brian W Whitcomb; Jessica R Gorman; Jennifer E Mersereau; Janet M Bouknight; H Irene Su Journal: Obstet Gynecol Date: 2015-09 Impact factor: 7.661
Authors: Alexa C O Medica; Shaylyn S Stark; Tracy N Hadnott; Andrew C Dietz; Sally A D Romero; Loki Natarajan; Elena Martinez; Brian W Whitcomb; H Irene Su Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2018-06 Impact factor: 7.329
Authors: Wael H Salem; Joe M Letourneau; Jessica Chan; Sai-Wing Chan; Marcelle Cedars; Mitchell P Rosen Journal: Contracept Reprod Med Date: 2017-03-02