Sperm banking in adolescent and young adult males diagnosed with cancer
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Meeting name
Sponsors
Date
Journal Title
Format
Thesis
Subject
Abstract
Background: Some 87,050 adolescent and young adults (AYA) were diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2022. While treatment advances have increased 5-year survival rates to more than 86%, many AYA cancer survivors have long-term deficits secondary to cancer-directed therapy. Interrupted childbearing and infertility can affect AYA self-esteem, quality of life, and relationships. Despite this knowledge, AYA fertility preservation rates have been reported as low as 18%. Purpose: The study purpose was to evaluate factors in the decision to bank sperm in newly-diagnosed AYA males. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured interviews was used to better understand factors in the decision to bank sperm. Grounded theory sampling and analysis techniques were used to collect and analyze data. Results: Eleven AYA male cancer survivors (𝑥= 18 yrs [14-22]) participated in audio-recorded interviews which were conducted in person or by telephone. Nine participants identified as white, two as black, and none as Hispanic. All participants had banked sperm within the previous 36 months. Five themes emerged from data analysis: 1) sperm banking as an "insurance policy;" 2) perceived barriers to banking; 3) perspectives on family-building; 4) information to support autonomy; and 5) guidance in the decision to bank sperm. Conclusion: Participants expressed that they desired information on fertility and fertility preservation. While they appreciated guidance, the decision was ultimately theirs to make. Framing banking sperm as an "insurance policy" helped participants engage in shared decision-making with parents and/or the fertility specialist. Findings provide health professionals caring for AYA male cancer survivors fuller understanding of how to engage and frame fertility conversations to elicit shared decision-making
Table of Contents
DOI
PubMed ID
Degree
Ph. D.