Having Cancer Does Not Change Wanting a Baby: Healthy Adolescent Girls Perceptions of Cancer-Related Infertility
Journal of Adolescent Health, 07/18/2012
Quinn GP et al. – Fertility concerns and desires for future motherhood can be accurately assessed using the 10 statements tested, and clinicians should be made aware of the differences between younger and older adolescents to facilitate effective communication. This research suggests adolescents have predetermined expectations for becoming future parents, and their concerns about fertility and childbearing are present before becoming a patient.
Methods- Four focus groups of two age-groups were held with healthy female adolescents: 12–14 years (N = 11) and 15–18 years (N = 14).
- Adolescents in both age-groups expressed significant concerns regarding potential infertility from cancer treatment, hereditary transmission, and the impact it would have on their future.
- Differences emerged in language preferences among older adolescents who preferred more open-ended statements.
