Evaluation of the Fertility and Cancer Project (FCP) among young breast cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
Fertility and childbearing issues are the major quality of life concerns among young breast cancer survivors. Practical approaches are needed to convey reproductive health information. The Fertility and Cancer Project (FCP) is a dedicated research project that provides online reproductive health and fertility education. We report FCP participants' (a) changes in mood and functioning and (b) changes in knowledge of fertility and cancer from baseline to 6-month follow-up.


METHODS
Participants completed five self-report baseline measures, accessed FCP content and participated in online discussions. At 6 months post FCP study entry, participants were asked to complete follow-up self-reports.


RESULTS
One hundred and six breast cancer survivors from 8 countries participated in the FCP. Mean age at diagnosis was 34.3 years; mean time since diagnosis was 22 months. Significant change was detected in improved physical functioning (p=0.019) and social functioning (p=0.02). Significant changes were also noted in improved fertility knowledge (p=0.011).


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary evidence shows that young breast cancer survivors derive improved mood and knowledge benefit from FCP participation. Internet-based approach may be a viable format for engaging this population of cancer survivors.
Meneses
Karen
K
School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. menesesk@uab.edu
McNees
Patrick
P
Azuero
Andres
A
Jukkala
Angela
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult