Thoughts of childhood cancer survivors with children regarding reduced fertility risk

Abstract

 Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten childhood cancer survivors (CCS), and qualitative and inductive analyses were performed to understand their thoughts and experiences regarding the risk for decreased fertility. As a result, nine categories were created. Regarding the risk for decreased fertility, some CCS felt “shocked and worried about its impact,” while others felt “not so concerned when they became aware of the risk.” When the risk for decreased fertility became a reality for the CCS because of its impact on their living conditions or developmental stages, they felt “anxiety on realizing their own risks,” “the weight and frustration of facing decreased fertility,” and “suspicion and antagonism regarding the timing and methods through which they learnt the information.” In this phase, the CCS felt a “desire for specialized information and support,” but sometimes “gave up on consulting someone because of environmental or interpersonal barriers.” “Assurance and confidence from surviving cancer and support from others” and “embracement of their history of childhood cancer and risk for decreased fertility and reflection on life and existence” helped them navigate through this phase. This shows that the CCS need support in finding meaning in their history of surviving cancer, as well as people to support them.