Decision on Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients: Development of Information Materials for Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Infertility is a potential side effect of cancer chemotherapy. As the number of adolescent and young adult (AYA)-aged survivors increases, future fertility becomes an important issue. However, many patients are not adequately informed and oncologists point the lack of information as a barrier to discussion. Our aim was to produce information materials tailored to oncologists' needs to promote and support discussion on infertility risk and fertility preservation (FP) with AYA-aged patients. After literature review, information materials were successfully developed and are currently being distributed to healthcare professionals in Portugal, with the collaboration of several national organizations. These information materials will contribute to shared informed decisions regarding FP in AYA-aged patients.