1. Experiences with Menses and Menstrual Suppression of Young Women with a History of Cancer
- Author
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Elizabeth Miller, Megan Hamm, Traci M. Kazmerski, Erika Friehling, Amita Ghuman, Allison Close, and Natasha N Frederick
- Subjects
Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Menstruation ,Young Adult ,Neoplasms ,medicine ,Humans ,Young adult ,reproductive and urinary physiology ,media_common ,business.industry ,Cancer ,medicine.disease ,Menstrual bleeding ,Oncology ,Feeling ,Family medicine ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Educational resources ,Female ,Thematic analysis ,Worry ,business - Abstract
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) women undergoing multiagent chemotherapy are at risk for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). There is a paucity of data on the experiences with menses of AYA women with cancer, their risk for HMB, and how they perceive menstrual suppression. Objective: This study aimed to (1) describe the attitudes and experiences of AYA women with a history of cancer regarding their menses and menstrual suppression and to (2) investigate facilitators and barriers to improve this aspect of oncologic care. Design/Methods: AYA women with a history of cancer completed individual semistructured interviews regarding their experiences, attitudes, and preferences around menstrual health. Two independent reviewers conducted a thematic analysis of transcribed interviews to elicit major themes. Results: We interviewed 20 young women with a history of cancer (mean age 19.9 years) who were treated with chemotherapy within the past 5 years. Themes included the following: (1) negative feelings and worry about menstrual bleeding; (2) positive attitudes toward menstrual suppression; (3) misconceptions about menstrual health; and (4) desire for tailored discussions about menstrual suppression. Conclusions: AYA women with a cancer history elucidate clear opinions regarding menstruation during chemotherapy, and many hold misconceptions regarding menses and menstrual suppression. Enhanced patient-provider communication and patient educational resources around menstrual health and menstrual suppression are needed to improve comprehensive oncologic care during chemotherapy.
- Published
- 2020
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