A comparison of heterosexual and LGBTQ cancer survivors’ outlooks on relationships, family building, possible infertility, and patient-doctor fertility risk communication

Russell, Andrea M.; Galvin, Kathleen M.; Harper, Maya M.; Clayman, Marla L.

doi:10.1007/s11764-016-0524-9

Cited by 39 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…The search returned 518 unique articles that were screened by title and abstract (Figure ). Eighteen papers were screened in full, with 2 studies excluded for not including qualitative data and 1 study excluded for not addressing the phenomenon of interest . Fifteen articles were critically appraised, and all were included in the review.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer care: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis

et al. 2018

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Analysis of the experiences of LGB people with cancer care shows that LGB people face numerous challenges due to their sexual orientation and receive care that does not adequately address their needs. Training and education of health-care professionals are strongly recommended to address some of these challenges and practice gaps. Culturally appropriate care includes avoiding heterosexual assumptions, use of inclusive language, the provision of tailored information, and involving partners in care.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer care: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis

et al. 2018

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“…Of the studies that listed sources of funding, the most commonly cited sources were the National Institutes of Health (n = 5), the American Cancer Society (n = 3), and the Susan G. Komen Foundation (n = 4). In total, 7 studies reported on GM status: 5 studies collected GM status and combined those individuals with SMs, 1 additional study included GMs as a distinct group, and 1 study focused on transgender and gender‐nonconforming patients …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Care delivery, patient experiences, and health outcomes among sexual and gender minority patients with cancer and survivors: A scoping review

Kent

Wheldon

Smith

et al. 2019

Cancer

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Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) face a disproportionate burden of cancer, yet little is known about the experiences and specific needs of these underserved populations in cancer care delivery. The authors conducted a scoping review to characterize the literature on cancer care delivery, health outcomes, and health care experiences for patients with cancer and survivors identifying as SGM. In total, 1176 peer‐reviewed citations were identified after a systematic search of the PubMed/Medline, PsycInfo, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Sciences databases without restriction on publication date. The details captured included study aims, design, population, cancer site, and main findings. Thirty‐seven studies published from 1998 to 2017 met the study criteria. Most studies were conducted in the post‐treatment survivorship phase of the continuum (n = 30), and breast cancer was the most common cancer site (n = 20). There were only 2 intervention studies. The studies reviewed were classified under the following areas of focus: 1) disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity, 2) quality of care, 3) psychosocial impact of/ adjustment to cancer, 4) social support, 5) sexual functioning, and 6) health risks/health behavior. Very little research reported an assessment of gender minority status or included a focus on gender minorities (n = 7). This review revealed substantial research gaps given a lack of population‐based data and small sample sizes, likely related to the absence of systematic collection of sexual orientation and gender identity information in the cancer care context. Deficient research in this area likely perpetuates health disparities. Further research is needed to identify and remove the barriers to delivering high‐quality care to SGM individuals with cancer.

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“…Additionally, no lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) survivors were interviewed. Interestingly, LGBTQ survivors seem more open toward alternatives to biological parenthood and may be less emotionally affected by infertility . Overall, quantitative research is needed to assess the magnitude of issues identified in this study and allow for identifying vulnerable (sub‐)groups.…”

Section: Study Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The perceived impact of infertility on romantic relationships and singlehood among adult survivors of childhood cancer

et al. 2019

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Objective To examine whether adult survivors of childhood cancer perceive a direct impact of potential/confirmed infertility on their romantic relationships/singlehood. Methods Open‐ended qualitative phone interviews were conducted with 57 adult survivors of childhood cancer and analyzed through thematic content analysis until saturation was reached (N = 30). Results Interviews revealed three major themes: (1) impact on survivors, (2) impact on partners/romantic relationships, and (3) alternative routes to parenthood. An overarching theme related to (4) timing also emerged. In describing the impact on themselves, survivors shared subthemes of (1.1) becoming aware of infertility as potential late effect of childhood cancer treatment and (1.2) their emotional reactions (ie, worries/concerns, distress, guilt, no emotional reaction). The impact on partners/romantic relationships also included subthemes: (2.1) partner communication, (2.2) partner reactions, and (2.3) the journey of active family planning. Conclusions The perceived impact of potential/confirmed infertility on romantic relationships of adult survivors of childhood cancer varied across individuals and time. Its presence or absence depends on life circumstances (eg, marital status, life goals), and if present, negative effects were typically resolved over time by having a pregnancy. Other survivors found joy and comfort in step‐children, considering adoption, or embracing a life without children. While more research is needed, findings indicate that discussions about infertility and fertility testing should be tailored to individual survivors and their needs, which may change over time. Timely referrals to reproductive specialists or adoption agencies are recommended for those who want children and have difficulties conceiving.

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A comparison of heterosexual and LGBTQ cancer survivors’ outlooks on relationships, family building, possible infertility, and patient-doctor fertility risk communication

Abstract: LGBTQ cancer survivors may display more adaptive coping with respect to relationships and fertility loss. Oncology professionals may want to proactively introduce positive coping strategies to reduce distress among AYA cancer survivors at risk for infertility.

Cited by 39 publications

References 42 publications

Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer care: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis

Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer care: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis

Care delivery, patient experiences, and health outcomes among sexual and gender minority patients with cancer and survivors: A scoping review

The perceived impact of infertility on romantic relationships and singlehood among adult survivors of childhood cancer

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