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Oncologists’ Knowledge, Practice and Attitude toward Fertility Preservation: A National Survey

Authors :
Ahmed Al Ghaithi
Eyas Al Rashdi
Maryam Al Shukri
Rahma Al Ghabshi
Halima Albalushi
Source :
Life, Vol 13, Iss 3, p 801 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Background: Improved chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment protocols, fortunately, increased the rates of cancer survivors over the years. However, these treatments may result in infertility or subfertility. Oncologists are considered the gateway for knowledge about cancer and its treatments’ effects. Several studies showed that many oncologists do not discuss fertility preservation with their patients. This study aimed to explore the perspective of oncologists in Oman on fertility preservation. Methods: A cross-sectional study of physicians and surgeons dealing with patients with cancer was conducted from June 2021 to December 2021. A standardized and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Participants reported that they are knowledgeable about sperm cryopreservation and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists use but not other methods of fertility preservation. About 94% of the participants reported that they need more knowledge about fertility preservation. More than half of the participants had never encountered cancer patients who used ovarian cryopreservation, testicular tissue cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization with embryo cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation. The majority (78%) agreed that discussing fertility preservation with newly diagnosed cancer patients is a high priority. Conclusions: Oncologists in Oman are supportive of fertility preservation. The lack of knowledge and unavailability of well-structured fertility preservation services in Oman hinders the initiation of fertility preservation discussions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20751729
Volume :
13
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Life
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4ec7d3f788c74ad9a239c7d48154a071
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030801