Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate patient management and quality of information given by French oncologists to cancer women concerning fertility issues and possibilities of fertility preservation.
Methods: An online survey was sent to 1161 physicians in all major cancer centers throughout France between May 2012 and January 2013.
Results: A total of 102 responses were received and analyzed. Only 46% of all physicians surveyed reported discussing infertility risks with patients of reproductive age and 22% referred them to a fertility center before beginning treatments. Only 14% of practitioners considered themselves knowledgeable in FP techniques and ovarian transposition was the most frequently mentioned technique in consultation.
Conclusion: This study is at the best of our knowledge the first nationwide survey to assess the state of the art in oncofertility management. It highlights inadequate management of fertility preservation for female patients in France. Physicians reported lacking knowledge and tools that would allow them to provide patients with appropriate information. A better collaboration between cancer and fertility centers needs to be organized in France as already organized in other countries.
Keywords: Cancer; Fertility preservation; French physician practices; Women.