Biological motherhood plays an important role in the lives of many young women facing breast cancer and threats to reproduction may be disruptive. In this study, we explored the indirect effects of the importance of parenthood and childlessness on depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among cancer patients 18-40 years of age (n = 104) through reported reproductive concerns. These specific concerns fully mediated the relationship between the importance of parenthood in women's lives and HRQoL. Greater importance of parenthood was directly associated with higher depression symptoms. Interventions should address the reproductive needs and concerns of patients to improve their HRQoL.
Keywords: childless; distress; oncology; parenthood; women; younger.