Differentiating gender-based reproductive concerns among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: A mixed methods study

Introduction Few studies have examined the distinct reproductive concerns (RC) of men and women in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patient population. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore and differentiate the RC of AYAs.Methods Participants completed the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale and participated in a semistructured interview. Interviews were deductively coded based on an analytic schema derived from the RCAC.Results After identifying participants through the electronic health record, 27 younger AYAs, ages 12–25, enrolled in the study. Four inductive themes emerged and differed by gender. These include differential temporality, acceptance, and openness to alternatives, partner influence, and parental/guardian influence. AYA men reported fewer RC (M = 49.4, SD = 9.6) compared to AYA women (M = 56.8, SD = 8.4).Conclusions Oncofertility care providers are advised to account for short- and long-ranging concerns based on AYAs’ gender. Future evaluations of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AYA RC are recommended.