Vânia Gonçalves1, Janella Hudson2, Maria Cristina Canavarro3, Julie Morris4, M Catherine Lee5, Kristine A Donovan6, Steven K Sutton6, Susan T Vadaparampil6, Gwendolyn P Quinn7. 1. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802, Coimbra, Portugal. Electronic address: vmo.goncalves@hotmail.com. 2. Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. 3. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802, Coimbra, Portugal. 4. University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe Hospital, 1st Floor, Education and Research Centre, Southmoor Road, Manchester, UK. 5. Department of Breast Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. 6. Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncologic Science, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. 7. Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Ob-Gyn, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, NY 10016, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare fertility and childbearing attitudes and decisions of Portuguese and American female reproductive aged breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 102 young breast cancer survivors (59 from Portugal and 43 from USA). Demographic, clinical and reproductive information were collected. Fertility and parenthood attitudes and decisions were assessed through a self-report questionnaire devised specifically for the study. RESULTS: Fertility issues became very important after the diagnosis for most of the women (51%). Few differences existed between USA and Portuguese participants. USA participants were more likely to undergo FP (23% USA vs Portugal 5%, p = 0.01). Portuguese women were more dissatisfied with their physician's explanations about fertility (Portugal: 23% vs USA: 3%; p = 0.01). Overall, women relied on their oncologist for fertility information (70%); only Portuguese women discussed fertility with their family medicine physician (11%). Overall, women showed positive attitudes towards motherhood. Portuguese women were more likely to report their partners placed more value on the family after their illness (Portuguese agree: 55% vs USA agree: 14%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fertility and childbearing after breast cancer are important issues regardless of culture, background or country's heath care system. Overall, few differences across the USA and Portuguese samples were found on fertility and childbearing attitudes and decisions.
OBJECTIVE: To compare fertility and childbearing attitudes and decisions of Portuguese and American female reproductive aged breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 102 young breast cancer survivors (59 from Portugal and 43 from USA). Demographic, clinical and reproductive information were collected. Fertility and parenthood attitudes and decisions were assessed through a self-report questionnaire devised specifically for the study. RESULTS: Fertility issues became very important after the diagnosis for most of the women (51%). Few differences existed between USA and Portuguese participants. USA participants were more likely to undergo FP (23% USA vs Portugal 5%, p = 0.01). Portuguese women were more dissatisfied with their physician's explanations about fertility (Portugal: 23% vs USA: 3%; p = 0.01). Overall, women relied on their oncologist for fertility information (70%); only Portuguese women discussed fertility with their family medicine physician (11%). Overall, women showed positive attitudes towards motherhood. Portuguese women were more likely to report their partners placed more value on the family after their illness (Portuguese agree: 55% vs USA agree: 14%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fertility and childbearing after breast cancer are important issues regardless of culture, background or country's heath care system. Overall, few differences across the USA and Portuguese samples were found on fertility and childbearing attitudes and decisions.
Authors: Kathryn J Ruddy; Shari Gelber; Elizabeth S Ginsburg; Lidia Schapira; Mary E Abusief; Meghan E Meyer; Ann H Partridge Journal: Menopause Date: 2011-01 Impact factor: 2.953
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