Physicians' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Perceived Barriers toward Fertility Preservation in Young Breast Cancer Patients in a Developing Country

Abstract

Background: In Mexico, up to 15% of breast cancer (BC) patients are 40 years or younger. Therefore, fertility preservation and pregnancy after cancer treatment are major concerns in this population. However, no data are available regarding Mexican physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward these issues. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe physicians’ attitudes, knowledge, and perceived barriers toward fertility preservation among young women with BC (YWBC) in a developing country. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians attending the 2016 Mexican Society of Oncology (SMeO) Annual Meeting or affiliated to SMeO. Chi-squared tests were used to assess factors associated with a higher likelihood of disclosing infertility risks, discussing fertility preservation methods, referring to specialists, and effective counseling. Results: Of the 314 participants, 83% reported a high sense of responsibility about informing treatment-related infertility risks, 58% always informed patients about those risks, 38% always discussed fertility preservation procedures, 52% always referred interested patients to fertility specialists, and 24% wrongly considered pregnancy and GnRH analogs detrimental in YWBC. Barriers for discussing fertility preservation were costs, lack of specialists, and prognosis. Conclusions: It is crucial to promote physicians’ knowledge and to endorse policies to overcome barriers obstructing universal access to fertility preservation for YWBC in Mexico.

Keywords

• Breast cancer. Young women. Fertility preservation. Pregnancy. Mexico.