Erika K. Radeke

Reproductive health assessment for women with cancer: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to pilot a survey instrument and to develop descriptive data about the reproductive goals of reproductive-aged women (15-44 years) with cancer. STUDY DESIGN This was a cross-sectional pilot survey study of 20 women who were diagnosed with various types of cancers at the oncology clinic of Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, from January-July 2006. RESULTS Of the 20 patients whose cases were surveyed, the mean age was 36.6 years, and 90% of the women had breast cancer. Ten percent of patients would continue pregnancy, if they became pregnant while receiving treatment. Contraception was used by 55% of patients (n = 11), of whom 55% of the women (n = 6) were using abstinence. CONCLUSION The result of this pilot study demonstrates the need for reproductive health counseling in women with cancer; the range of discussion must include fertility interest, contraception, and fertility preservation.

Reproductive Health Issues in Women With Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 679,000 women are newly diagnosed with cancer in the United States annually, and approximately 10% of these cancers occur in women of reproductive age, with 1 per 1,000 in pregnant women.1–3 To achieve the primary objective of cancer treatment—survival—reproductive health issues including fertility conservation, contraception, and pregnancy are often overlooked. However, these challenging issues are critical to providing a complete continuum of care for women with cancer. Although a growing body of literature addresses the issue of fertility preservation for reproductive-aged women with cancer, very little pertains to the other facets of reproductive health. In this article, we describe six cases that illustrate some of the challenges of caring for reproductive-aged cancer patients who become pregnant, desire child bearing, or desire effective contraception.

Oncocontraception in breast cancer care.

e19679 Background: Based on a case series of patients, the need for providers to address pregnancy as it relates to the diagnosis of breast cancer was realized. Equally as important as the emphasis...