Threatened fertility: A longitudinal study exploring experiences of fertility and having children after cancer treatment

Infertility is a recognised potential sequel of cancer treatment which impacts negatively on the quality of survival. The aim of this study was to explore how men and women experience the threat of infertility by cancer treatment and individuals' thoughts about having children after cancer during the first 2years following diagnosis. Nine women and seven men (aged 24-41) participated in two interviews in this longitudinal interview study, after the initiation of cancer treatment and 2years thereafter. The interviews focused on participants' thoughts and feelings about threatened fertility and having children. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis with a particular focus on identifying experiences over time. The Traits-Desires-Intentions model was used to reflect upon the study findings. The analysis resulted in the identification of four themes: Continue calmly on chosen path, Abandoning plans for children, Avoiding the subject of fertility and Struggling towards life goals. The results emphasise the need to offer individualised fertility-related treatment communication and counselling, both at the time of cancer diagnosis and also in connection with follow-up care. Appropriate fertility-related communication should be included in young cancer patients' survivor care plans.