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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Patel
Ashlesha
A
Division of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John H. Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, 1900 W Polk St., Room #1217, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. ashleshapatel16@yahoo.com
Sreedevi
Mini
M
Malapati
Radha
R
Sutaria
Rachana
R
Schoenhage
Monique Brown
MB
Patel
Ashok R
AR
Radeke
Erika K
EK
Zaren
Howard A
HA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D018456:Reproductive Medicine; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents