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Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 22, No 14S (July 15 Supplement), 2004: 6085
© 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology
Fertility outcomes in young women with breast cancer: A Web-based survey
A. H. Partridge,
S. Gelber,
J. Peppercorn,
E. Sampson,
M. Laufer,
R. Rosenberg,
M. Przypyszny,
A. Rein and
E. P. Winer
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA; Young Survival Coalition, New York, NY
6085
Background: Many young women with breast cancer are interested in preserving fertility. We evaluated fertility outcomes of breast cancer survivors with the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), an advocacy group for young women with breast cancer. Methods: We developed a survey about fertility issues for women with early breast cancer. A link to the survey was emailed to all registered YSC survivor members (N= 1702). Eligible members were asked to complete the survey. Email reminders were used. Results: 657 women completed the survey. Mean age at breast cancer diagnosis was 32.9 years; mean current age 35.8 years. 90% of women were white; 62% married, 23% never married; 76% college graduates. 93% were having regular monthly periods at diagnosis. Stages included: 0 (10%), I (27%), II (47%), III (13%). Only 24% of women reported that, at diagnosis, they did not want a future pregnancy. 12% of women took steps to preserve fertility through treatment. 86% received chemotherapy, 43% tamoxifen, 3% aromatase inhibitor, and 14% ovarian suppression; 9% received no systemic treatment. At a median follow-up of 1.8 years, 8% reported recurrent disease. 78% of women overall, including 78% of the women who received chemotherapy, were still menstruating. 12% of women had been pregnant at least once, with 2% reporting spontaneous abortions and 2% therapeutic abortions; 7% had at least one live birth. Only 18% of women who wanted a future pregnancy at diagnosis had become pregnant. 10% reported having tried to become pregnant since diagnosis and 58% of these women reported at least one pregnancy. In a multivariate model, pregnancy after breast cancer was associated with younger age at diagnosis (age <30 vs. age 30–35, O.R. 0.76, p = 0.37; age <30 vs. age >35, O.R. 0.30, p=0.002), longer time since diagnosis (per year O.R 1.21, p <0.0001) and no tamoxifen treatment (O.R. 3.49, p <0.0001). Nonsignificant covariates included stage, fear of recurrence, chemotherapy, and prior fertility history. Conclusions: Most young women continue to menstruate following treatment for breast cancer, including chemotherapy. A relatively small percentage of women in this series have become pregnant, however the median follow-up is short.
No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Abstract presentation from the 2004 ASCO Annual Meeting
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