The psychological importance of fertility preservation counseling and support for cancer patients

Abstract

Infertility associated with cancer can have significant psychological impacts for cancer patients and survivors, necessitating appropriate fertility-related psychological support. This literature review details the psychological impact of infertility in cancer patients and survivors, and discusses fertility counseling as described in current international guidelines; as either the provision of fertility information or psychosocial support. Fertility counseling has a role in assisting with fertility treatment decision-making, but also in supporting patients with the emotional distress associated with potential infertility at the time of cancer diagnosis, and infertility in survivorship. The necessity of psychological support for fertility patients is outlined, alongside recommendations for adolescent and young adult patients, and family members of cancer patients involved in fertility and oncological care. Moving forward, clear guidelines for fertility counseling of cancer patients in the context of fertility preservation may be beneficial, in removing ambiguity as to whom conducts counseling, what counseling involves, and what level of psychosocial support may be most effective in supporting cancer patients longitudinally.