Oncofertility Experience in Young Women with Breast Cancer

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the oncofertility experiences of young women with breast cancer and elucidate their process of coping.Methods: Employing a grounded theory approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 women aged 27~37 with breast cancer who experienced fertility challenges. Data analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method.Results: The core category identified was a journey to restore daily life with inevitable damage to fertility, and young women with breast cancer experienced three stages: the crisis stage, life restructuring stage, and daily life recovery stage. The causal conditions were chemotherapy and pregnancy planning. The contextual conditions were anxiety about embryo or oocyte cryopreservation, the need to make a decision quickly, and expectations for natural pregnancy. The central phenomenon of oncofertility in women with breast cancer was “choices for an uncertain future.” The action/interaction strategies included increasing immunity, weight control, having a strong mind, and finding knowledge related to breast cancer. The intervening conditions were support from health care providers and family support. The consequences were early onset of menopause and “desperate pregnancy.”Conclusion: Nurses need to be interested in the decline in fertility of young women with breast cancer and play a role in understanding and actively helping them.