|
1
|
Baur I, Staudinger S, Aebi A. Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer and the Desire for Parenthood-A Legal View from a Swiss Perspective in Consideration of the Relevance of Cancer Support Organizations. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:10124-10133. [PMID: 38132370 PMCID: PMC10742187 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30120736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary focuses on the challenges and possibilities that adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) desiring parenthood face under Swiss law. The regulation of reproductive medicine procedures is stricter in Switzerland than in some other countries. Health insurance is compulsory, but the interventions that are covered are in constant flux. Recent changes pertain to the possibilities of future AYA parenthood and keeping up to date with practical and legal ramifications is taxing even for health professionals. AYA facing treatment decisions are uniquely vulnerable and dependent on comprehensive, clear, current, and country-specific information regarding risks and options pertaining to their fertility. This commentary provides a short overview of the Swiss legal framework related to reproductive medicine, highlighting its access restrictions and prohibitions, as well as recent changes. While the importance of patient, peer, caregiver, and interest groups supporting people affected by health conditions has long been recognized in many countries, an AYA organization was only recently established in Switzerland. Such organizations are vital for providing accurate, country-specific information and support, while individualized medical guidance, informed by the most current legal framework and its consequences, remains essential in addressing AYAs' specific needs in connection with the desire to have children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Baur
- Competence Center of Medicine-Ethics-Law Helvetiae, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland;
- The Association “AYA Cancer Support CH”, 8041 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Sina Staudinger
- The Association “AYA Cancer Support CH”, 8041 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Committee for Protection against Sexual Harassment, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ariana Aebi
- Competence Center of Medicine-Ethics-Law Helvetiae, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland;
- The Association “AYA Cancer Support CH”, 8041 Zurich, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Zhang HF, Jiang QH, Fang YH, Jin L, Huang GY, Wang J, Bai HF, Miyashita M. Perceptions of Oncology Nurses Regarding Fertility Preservation and Providing Oncofertility Services for Men of Childbearing Age with Cancer. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:16-23. [PMID: 34260015 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the knowledge, thoughts, and attitudes of oncology nurses in China regarding fertility preservation for male cancer patients of childbearing age, and for offering counseling or oncofertility services for the men in their care. Data was collected from 18 oncology nurses in Southwest China through voluntary self-report and in-depth interviews. The qualitative interview data were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenology method based on the lived experience of the nurses. The interviewees commonly reported 6 main concerns regarding fertility preservation (FP): their insufficient knowledge and inadequate nursing education; the importance of offering such services to cancer patients; legal vulnerability if FP information is withheld from patients; the role of the nurse in counseling; and barriers to discussing FP in practice. Nurses had a positive attitude toward FP, but most had no practical role in routinely informing male patients of their options, and the nurses believed that discussion of FP was outside their scope of practice. This study offers insight into the perceptions of oncology nurses in a developing country regarding the provision of FP services for adult male cancer patients. These results lead us to recommend that local fertility nurses should be given new training regarding FP. Furthermore, nurse-led clinics are desirable. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of nurse participation in FP counseling and referral, and how to improve the professional confidence of oncology nurses for addressing FP issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Feng Zhang
- Gerontological and Oncology Nursing, Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing-Hua Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying-Hong Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Gui-Yu Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Fang Bai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Mika Miyashita
- Gerontological and Oncology Nursing, Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Crespi C, Adams L, Gray TF, Azizoddin DR. An Integrative Review of the Role of Nurses in Fertility Preservation for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021; 48:491-505. [PMID: 34411081 DOI: 10.1188/21.onf.491-505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer commonly report future fertility as an important issue in care. Despite long-standing guidelines on fertility counseling and the trusting relationship between nurses and patients, little is known about the nurse's role in fertility preservation (FP) for AYAs with cancer. LITERATURE SEARCH The authors conducted a literature search of articles published through 2020 focused on nursing involvement in FP for AYAs with cancer. DATA EVALUATION 85 studies were identified. In total, 11 articles met inclusion criteria and were critically appraised in the review. SYNTHESIS Although well positioned to improve FP care among AYAs with cancer, nurses currently have a minimal role because of provider, institutional, and patient-related barriers. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Interventions to enhance nurses' knowledge about FP, improvements in electronic health record documentation, and facilitation of institutional support are needed to support the nurse's role in FP for AYAs with cancer.
Collapse
|