Being confronted with cancer is a life-changing event, with major impact to well-being, quality of life and relationships. Cancer treatments and outcomes have improved, but possess the potential to... Show moreBeing confronted with cancer is a life-changing event, with major impact to well-being, quality of life and relationships. Cancer treatments and outcomes have improved, but possess the potential to impair reproductive and sexual function. International guidelines highlight the importance of timely discussion of sexual function and fertility deterioration resulting from treatments. In spite of these developments, practice behaviour and attitudes of health professionals have been reported to vary.The first part of this thesis demonstrates barriers among oncology professionals in the Netherlands in discussing sexual function during daily practice. In general, consensus exists regarding responsibility for addressing sexual dysfunction. Despite, the implementation of discussing sexual function as a standard of care is not carried out structural.Part two describes practice routines concerning the counselling on impaired fertility and fertility preservation for cancer patients of reproductive age. Medical oncologists and oncology nurses both reported discussing the impact of treatment on fertility. However, it was not performed in all cases and depending on factors like educational level, experience, type of hospital, prognosis and chances of fertility recovery.Furthermore, testicular cancer patients were evaluated on specific items concerning the discussion, referral and process of semen cryopreservation. Long term reproductive concerns were identified among survivors. Show less
Driel, C.M.G. van; Oosterwijk, J.C.; Meijers-Heijboer, E.J.; Asperen, C.J. van; Zeijlmans van Emmichoven, I.A.; Vries, J. de; ... ; Bock, G.H. de 2016
