title: Communication difficulties and the experience of loneliness in patients with cancer dealing with fertility issues: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore communication difficulties and the experience of loneliness among patients with cancer dealing with fertility issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study based on grounded theory principles.
  
  
  METHODS
  One university hospital and two general hospitals in Flanders, Belgium.
  
  
  METHODS
  21 female and 7 male patients with cancer with potential fertility problems as a result of treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grounded theory approach using the constant comparison method; data collection (semistructured face-to-face interviews) and analysis occurred simultaneously.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Loneliness was a central theme in the experience of potential fertility loss among patients with cancer. Feelings of loneliness resulted from communication difficulties between the patient and members of his or her social environment or healthcare professionals because of several underlying processes and influencing factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Loneliness was a strong and common feeling among patients with cancer. Patients, members of their social environment, and healthcare professionals experienced difficulties in communicating about fertility in the context of cancer, leading to patients' feelings of loneliness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare professionals must be attentive to signs indicating loneliness regarding fertility concerns, and they should provide adequate information and appropriate guidance to support patients. Professionals need further training to improve knowledge and skills.
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.
authors.forename: Joline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goossens
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.
authors.forename: Ilse
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Delbaere
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.
authors.forename: Dimitri
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beeckman
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.
authors.forename: Sofie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verhaeghe
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Ghent University in Belgium.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Hecke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cancer; communication; infertility; loneliness; oncofertility; qualitative research