Prevalence and predictors for fertility-related distress among 1010 young adults 1.5 years following cancer diagnosis – results from the population-based Fex-Can Cohort study

• Published in: Acta oncologica 2023, Vol.62 (12), p.1599-1606
• Main Authors: Rodriguez-Wallberg, Kenny A., Ahlgren, Johan, Smedby, Karin E., Gorman, Jessica R., Hellman, Kristina, Henriksson, Roger, Ståhl, Olof, Wettergren, Lena, Lampic, Claudia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cancer survivorship; Cohort study; fertility distress; parenthood concerns; young adults
• ISSN: 0284-186X; 1651-226X; 1651-226X
• DOI: 10.1080/0284186X.2023.2272291

BACKGROUNDCancer treatment during reproductive ages may negatively impact fertility and there is a need of firm knowledge about the prevalence and predictors of fertility-related distress. The aim was to examine fertility-related distress in a population-based sample of young women and men recently treated for cancer and to identify predictors for this outcome.MATERIAL AND METHODSThis nationwide cohort study included 1010 individuals (694 women and 316 men), mean age 34.5 ± 4.9 and 32.1 ± 5.5, respectively, diagnosed with breast, cervical, ovarian, testicular cancers, brain tumors or lymphoma at ages 18-39 in Sweden. Participants completed a survey 1.5-year post-diagnosis to assess fertility-related distress (RCAC), emotional distress (HADS) and self-efficacy, as well as sociodemographic and clinical factors and fertility preservation. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between explanatory factors and high fertility-related distress (RCAC subscale mean >4).RESULTSMany participants (69% of women and 47% of men) had previous children and about half reported a wish for future children. High fertility-related distress was more prevalent among women (54%) than men (27%), and women were more likely than men to report distress concerning all but one RCAC dimension after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Use of fertility preservation was unevenly distributed (15% of women and 71% of men) and was not associated with decreased fertility-related distress. In multivariable logistic regression models, a wish for future children, being single, not having previous children, symptoms of anxiety and low self-efficacy regarding one's ability to handle threats of infertility were associated with high fertility-related distress.CONCLUSIONThis nationwide study found a high prevalence of fertility-related distress in young women and men recently treated for cancer and identified sociodemographic and psychological predictors. Fertility preservation was not found to act as a buffer against fertility-related distress, indicating the continuous need to identify strategies to alleviate fertility distress following cancer.