Evaluation of the Opinions and Anxiety Levels of Female Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy Regarding Fertility

Objectives: As screening and treatment for breast cancer advance, an increasing number of young patients are confronting treatment-related infertility. The aim of this study was to analyze patients’ opinions on fertility, and to assess the impact of these opinions on their depression and anxiety levels. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a prospective, single-center cohort survey. A total of 63 female patients with breast cancer who were receiving treatment at the Outpatient Units of Medical Oncology at Ankara University were enrolled. The questionnaire included components such as patients’ perspectives on fertility, demographic data, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The median age was 39 (minimum-maximum: 28-45). Among the patients with metastatic and early-stage breast cancer, anxiety and depression scores were similar (p=0.09). Individuals who believed that having a child posed a risk to their disease had higher HADS scores (p=0.009). Factors identified as increasing the risk of anxiety and depression included being young (<40 years old), being married, unemployment, having a child, and the fear of disease recurrence. After diagnosis, the desire to have children diminished due to concerns about disease recurrence or progression. It was found that 51% of the patients considered the information provided on fertility to be sufficient. Conclusion: It was observed that providing information on fertility during the treatment process was sufficient for half of the patients. A significant proportion of these patients had children prior to their diagnosis. The majority of patients did not have plans for childbirth, and did not express notable concerns regarding fertility.