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Tao L, Wang Q, Zeng X, Fu L, Li J, Chen H. Psychological distress in adult women of reproductive age at different stages after breast cancer diagnosis: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:1921-1932. [PMID: 38284456 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore the actual experience of psychological distress of adult women of reproductive age at different stages after breast cancer diagnosis. DESIGN Qualitative. METHODS Eighty-one patients with breast cancer-related distress thermometer scores >4 were selected using a purposive sampling method. Patients were divided into newly diagnosed and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month groups according to time since diagnosis and then interviewed. A phenomenological approach was adopted to analyse interview content, and different themes were extracted. RESULTS Women exhibited different levels of psychological distress depending on the time since diagnosis, with newly diagnosed patients showing the highest distress. Within 1 year post-diagnosis, different events caused patients distress. Themes extracted at new diagnosis and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12 months post-diagnosis included sadness and disbelief, loss of control, optimistic but concerned, physical and mental exhaustion, difficulties returning to society and limited sexual intimacy, respectively; all groups expressed reproductive concerns. CONCLUSION Clinical nurses should focus on different psychologically distressing events to provide targeted interventions at distinct phases. For women of childbearing age, clinical nurses should pay particular attention to patients' marriage and reproductive concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE During the year after a breast cancer diagnosis, patients of childbearing age experience events that cause psychological distress that differ depending on time since diagnosis. Nurses should focus on core stressful events and perform specific nursing interventions. IMPACT To provide holistic care, nurses should consider the psychological and emotional changes patients may undergo. For women of childbearing age, clinical nurses should pay particular attention to patients' marriage and fertility concerns, and be able to provide evidence-based professional guidance on reproductive preservation techniques. REPORTING METHOD The study was reported using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients contributed to data collection through interviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tao
- Cancer Day-Care Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuzhou Wang
- Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Zeng
- Cancer Day-Care Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Fu
- Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junying Li
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Taniskidou AM, Voultsos P, Tarlatzis V, Timotheadou E. Perceptions and experiences of fertility preservation in female patients with cancer in Greece. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:108. [PMID: 38336757 PMCID: PMC10858603 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As advances in oncology have led to remarkable and steady improvements in the survival rates of patients with cancer and anticancer treatment can cause premature ovarian failure in women, fertility preservation (FP) has become a global public health concern and an integral part of the care for women diagnosed with cancer during reproductive age. However, for various reasons, FP remains underutilized for patients with cancer. There are substantial gaps in our knowledge about women's experiences and perceptions of the issue. This study aims to contribute to bridging that gap. METHODS This prospective qualitative study was conducted from March 2018 to February 2023. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling was used. Data were collected by semistructured interviews with nineteen reproductive-age women who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. Data were classified and analysed with a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS A variety of distinct themes and subthemes emerged from the analysis of the interview data. The cancer diagnosis emerged as a factor that considerably affects the women's attitudes towards biological parenthood: It can further increase their (strong) previous desire or decrease their previous (weak) desire. Women with a recent cancer diagnosis had not received adequate and multidisciplinary counselling, including clear and sufficient information. However, participants felt satisfied with the information they received because they either received the information they requested or remained in denial about the need to be informed (i.e., because they felt overwhelmed after the cancer diagnosis). Embryo cryopreservation emerged as a less desirable FP option for women with cancer. Participants showed respect for human embryos, not always for religious reasons. Surrogacy emerged as the last resort for most participants. Religious, social or financial factors did play a secondary (if any) role in women's decision-making about FP. Finally, male partners' opinions played a secondary role in most participants' decision-making about FP. If embryo cryopreservation was the selected option, partners would have a say because they were contributing their genetic material. CONCLUSIONS The findings that emerged from the data analysis were partly consistent with prior studies. However, we identified some interesting nuances that are of clinical importance. The results of this study may serve as a starting point for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Taniskidou
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (Division: Medical Law and Ethics), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, GR, 54124, Greece
| | - Polychronis Voultsos
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (Division: Medical Law and Ethics), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, GR, 54124, Greece.
| | - Vasileios Tarlatzis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, GR, 54124, Greece
| | - Eleni Timotheadou
- Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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del Valle L, Corchón S, Palop J, Rubio JM, Celda L. The experience of female oncological patients and fertility preservation: A phenomenology study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13757. [PMID: 36354130 PMCID: PMC9787558 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyse the experience of fertility preservation among female oncological patients. METHODS A phenomenological study was conducted in an Assisted Human Reproduction Unit. The sample was composed of 14 females of reproductive age diagnosed with a cancer that may affect reproductive function, who had undergone a fertility preservation procedure. In-depth interviews were carried out, and the transcripts were entred into the Atlas.ti.v.8.2.3 qualitative analysis software package. The steps proposed by Taylor-Bogdan were followed in the analysis of the data. RESULTS Four thematic categories emerged in relation to the experience with the fertility preservation process: interruption of life plans and changes in the person; knowledge about fertility preservation options, reproductive capacity and impact because of the possible loss; dyadic relationshipsand social representations of fertility. CONCLUSIONS Patients suffer from difficulties when making decisions about fertility whilst dealing with a cancer diagnosis. They need adequate information and support from health professionals. Despite increasing awareness of fertility preservation, there is a lack of knowledge regarding patients' experiences and needs related to this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara del Valle
- Nursing DepartmentFaculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | | | - Josefa Palop
- Nursing DepartmentFaculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Jose María Rubio
- Department of Assisted Human ReproductionAssisted Human Reproduction Unit of La Fe (AHRU)ValenciaSpain
| | - Luis Celda
- Nursing DepartmentFaculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of ValenciaValenciaSpain
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Han J, Park S, Kim SH. Supporting decision‐making regarding fertility preservation in patients with cancer: An integrative review. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13748. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeehee Han
- Red Cross College of Nursing Chung‐Ang University Seoul Korea
| | - Sangwoo Park
- Severance Hospital Yonsei University Health System Seoul Korea
| | - Sung Hae Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Health, Welfare and Education Tongmyong University Busan Korea
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Zaami S, Melcarne R, Patrone R, Gullo G, Negro F, Napoletano G, Monti M, Aceti V, Panarese A, Borcea MC, Scorziello C, Ventrone L, Mamedov SN, Meggiorini ML, Vergine M, Giacomelli L. Oncofertility and Reproductive Counseling in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051311. [PMID: 35268402 PMCID: PMC8911138 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients is of utmost importance in terms of increasing survival rates. Modern medicine has therefore prioritized better quality of life for patients, even after the disease, through a better management of the potential long-term side effects induced by anticancer treatments. Fertility preservation and family planning are therefore crucial issues to be addressed in all cancer patients of reproductive age. Along those lines, a new branch of medicine with distinct multidisciplinary characteristics has developed over the years: oncofertility. Although both national and international guidelines value reproductive counseling as an essential aspect of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway, part and parcel of the informed consent process, it is not included within the protocols adopted by the operating units for the care and management of neoplastic diseases. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of the Breast Unit of the Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy, and the degree of compliance with guidelines. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches, the standards of care offered to breast cancer patients can be improved. Materials and methods. A retrospective study based on a review of medical records was conducted between 2014 and 2021. Patients under 40 years of age diagnosed with non-metastatic malignancies were included who received chemotherapy treatment, namely neoadjuvant, adjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy. Results. The data were extracted from the medical records of 51 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 41% of whom received reproductive counseling, and of these, 43% decided to undertake a path of fertility preservation. Factors such as the absence of children and young age reportedly favored both the interest in counseling proposals by the medical staff and the decision to undertake a path of fertility preservation. Conclusions. The study shows that there has been growing interest in the topic of oncofertility, especially in light of law 219/2017. Therefore, since 2018, multiple proposals for reproductive counseling have been set forth, but there was not an equally growing demand for fertility preservation practices, which can be explained by the invasive nature of such practices, the patients’ concern about their own state of health, and poor or inadequate information. Such impediments highlight the importance of standardized counseling and the need for a multidisciplinary medical team to support the patient in the decision-making process. The study also revealed a drop in the number of patients receiving counseling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to the positive trend that was recorded prior to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.N.); (G.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rossella Melcarne
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Renato Patrone
- ICTUS, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Francesca Negro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.N.); (G.N.)
| | - Gabriele Napoletano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.N.); (G.N.)
| | - Marco Monti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Valerio Aceti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Panarese
- General and Transplant Surgery Department, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Maria Carola Borcea
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Chiara Scorziello
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Luca Ventrone
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Samira Nicole Mamedov
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Maria Letizia Meggiorini
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Massimo Vergine
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giacomelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.B.); (C.S.); (L.V.); (S.N.M.); (M.V.); (L.G.)
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