Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Fertility Needs of the Cancer Patient

REPORT FROM THE ACCC 28th NATIONAL ONCOLOGY CONFERENCE

by Don Jewler, Director of Communications, ACCC

Nicole was 28 and recently married. She looked forward to starting a family. Instead, soon after returning from her honeymoon, she learned she had grade 2B Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With a good job, good insurance, and a loving family, some of whom were healthcare providers, Nicole was optimistic. “Tell me what I need to do and we’ll get through this.”

But life wasn’t that easy.

Faye Flemming, RN,BSN, OCN, oncology service line director at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Va., recounted the story of her niece, Nicole, and the difficulties she had exploring her fertility preservation options while coordinating her cancer treatment. Diagnosed the end of July, Nicole didn’t get answers or begin treatment until December.

The fertility needs of cancer patients are not being met, even five years after the American Society of Clinical Oncology issued recommendations for fertility preservation in cancer patients, said Flemming. “All oncology practices and professionals should have a formal process for dealing with fertility-related needs in a timely manner on all child-bearing-age patients at risk.”

The reality is that “physicians do not explain; insurers totally overlook fertility issues; health regulators do not address the issue, except in a few states; and costs are high.” Once a patient of child-bearing age is diagnosed with cancer, the need is immediate to address fertility risk and understand the options.

Nicole went to a fertility specialist, but was given only one option and told to come back when she had $20,000.

As an oncology nurse, Flemming had basic knowledge of some of the fertility risks and options. “I thought I could assist Nicole with navigating the process. I found my knowledge was not up to date.. . and that fertility centers and physicians differ greatly in their approach, support, and communications.”

Flemming set out to help her niece. Ultimately, Flemming developed an oncofertility toolkit. She and her institution were honored with an Association of Community Cancer Centers’ 2011 Innovator Award for her program and resources to help providers develop a fertility process or program to assure that every cancer patient’s fertility needs are addressed quickly and completely.

Flemming’s toolkit helps cancer programs write a formal policy process and educate physicians and staff.

To learn more, email oncofertility@hotmail.com.