Contraception counseling for young breast cancer patients: A practical needs assessment and a survey among medical oncologists. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Güth, Uwe; Huang, Dorothy Jane; Bitzer, Johannes; Tirri, Brigitte Frey; Moffat, Rebecca
• Is Part Of: Breast. Volume 30(2016)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Breast cancer -- Contraception -- Fertility -- Oncologist; Breast -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Breast -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Breast -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2015.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-9776

Abstract

Abstract: Background/methods: We analyzed an unselected, consecutive cohort of young breast cancer (BC) patients (≤40 years, n = 100) with regard to the contraceptive methods used at the time of diagnosis. Based on this data, we assessed the individual need for contraceptive counseling before cancer therapy. Secondly, in a study-specific self-report questionnaire, we surveyed 101 medical oncologists with the aim of evaluating attitudes towards contraception and how young patients are being counseled in the practical clinical setting. Results: In 62% of our cohort of young BC patients, we identified situations in which contraceptive counseling was necessary at the time of BC diagnosis. The patients did not use contraception or used an ineffective method (TIER III/IV, 42%), or were using hormonal methods (12%) or IUDs (8%). Almost all respondents of the survey (99%) stated that contraception is an important aspect in the surveillance of young BC patients and the vast majority (90%) discussed this item before starting therapy. Only 20% of the respondents reported that they a) inform the patients that reliable contraception is necessary before starting therapy, b) ask whether contraceptive methods are used during ongoing therapy, and c) regularly refer their patients to specialist counseling by a gynecologist. Conclusions: A large proportion of young women require contraceptive counseling after newly diagnosed BC. Oncologists should be aware that the use of reliable contraceptive methods should not only be discussed before starting therapy, but also during ongoing therapy. Oncologists should consider actively referring their young patients to gynecologists to ensure proper contraceptive counseling. Highlights: 60% of young breast cancer patients require contraceptive counseling. Oncologists think that contraception is an important aspect in the surveillance of young patients. However, only 20% of oncologists reliably monitor contraception in their clinical practice. Contraceptive counseling in young BC patients is complex. Referral of young patients to gynecologists ensures proper contraceptive counseling.