Availability of Male and Female Sexual Health and Fertility Information on National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Center Websites

Abstract

Introduction: For the estimated 15 million cancer survivors in the United States, access to accurate information regarding quality of life issues such as sexual health and fertility preservation is a very important part of cancer recovery. Aim: Because National Cancer Institute (NCI)edesignated cancer centers (CCs) are leaders of cancer care, we sought to determine the prevalence and quality of information relating to male and female sexual health and fertility on all NCI-designated CC websites. Methods: A total of 70 NCI-designated CC websites listed on www.cancer.gov and divided by geographic regions were carefully analyzed for the presence and quality of male and female sexual health and fertility information. Fisher's exact test was performed to assess for differences between websites. Main Outcome Measure: We determined the number and percentage of NCI-designated CC websites with sexual health and/or fertility information, availability of information by region, and information available for each gender.Results: Sexual health and/or fertility information was accessible on 43 of 63 (68.3%) CC websites and was more prevalent on comprehensive CC compared with non-comprehensive CC websites (37 of 49 [75.5%] vs 6 of 14 [42.9%] websites, respectively; P < .05). NCI-designated CC websites had less information on sexual health compared with that on fertility (24 of 63 [38.1%] vs 41 of 63 [65.1%] websites, respectively; P < .01). Access to data was less available for men compared with women (35 of 41 [85.4%] vs 41 of 41 [100%] websites, respectively; P < .05) on CC websites providing fertility preservation information. Fifteen CCs in the South Atlantic (11) and East South Central (4) regions did not offer sexual health information on their respective websites. Conclusion: Information regarding sexual health and fertility preservation after cancer treatment is not common and less available for men compared with women on NCI-designated CC websites. The aforementioned data highlight the need to improve the quality and accessibility of sexual health and fertility preservation information for all NCI-designated CC websites. Shah T, Shin D.

Websites about, not for, adolescents? A systematic analysis of online fertility preservation information for adolescent and young adult cancer patients

“…Scores were summed to create a total score for each website. Two independent coders reconciled their scores, discussed any discrepancies to reach consensus, and rated sites using DISCERN categories of excellent (scores of 63-75), good (51-62), fair (39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50), poor (27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38), and very poor (16-26; 24,25) quality.…”

Websites about, not for, adolescents? A systematic analysis of online fertility preservation information for adolescent and young adult cancer patients

“…Building on past research examining internet-based fertility preservation information for adult cancer patients [28,29], this review seeks to characterize the quality, desirability, and content of existing online fertility preservation information for AYA cancer patients. It also contextualizes current online information and identi es opportunities for improvement.…”

Evaluation of a Mobile Health App Offering Fertility Information to Male Patients With Cancer: Usability Study

“…eHealth resources are viewed positively by cancer survivors [ 23 ] and are suitable for men who often value autonomy and anonymity when seeking information [ 24 ]. However, current web-based information for male patients with cancer is not comprehensive, less accessible than that for female patients [ 25 ], of inadequate readability and quality [ 26 ], and is not rigorously evaluated [ 27 ]. One study has assessed the feasibility of a web-based intervention targeting fertility distress after cancer, but their sample includes only 4 men [ 28 , 29 ].…”