Assessment of Quality of Life in Female Cancer Patients in Relation to the Risk of Treatment-Related Infertility

Abstract

Introduction. The rising prevalence of cancer among individuals of reproductive age underscores the clinical importance of fertility preservation as a key component of rehabilitation, aimed at sustaining an acceptable quality of life during remission.

Aim. To evaluate the quality of life in women of reproductive age (18–42 years) with an established oncological diagnosis and a risk of treatment-induced infertility, who are motivated to preserve fertility and pursue reproductive goals post-recovery, following their initial oncofertility consultation.

Materials and Methods. A single-center study was conducted using the ONCOF-QOL questionnaire, designed to interview women aged 18–45 with a confirmed cancer diagnosis. The instrument consisted of three modules: demographic information (7 items), a core assessment section (24 items), and a supplementary module (13 items) for patients already undergoing fertility preservation therapy.

Results. The study included 102 patients who attended an initial oncofertility consultation in 2024 at the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology. Women with malignancies of the female reproductive system predominated — 83 patients (81.3 %); of these, 39 (47 %) had breast cancer and 44 (53 %) had gynecologic malignancies. Of the 102 participants, 57.8 % (n = 59) were in the early reproductive period (< 35 years), while 42.2 % (n = 43) were aged 35 years or older. Furthermore, 84 % (n = 86) of patients had no children. The emotional scale demonstrated the lowest quality of life scores: 41 % (n = 42) of patients were in a significantly depressed psychological state. For 54 % (n = 55) of respondents, general well-being was substantially impaired by anticipated fertility problems. More than 33 % (n = 34) of women believed that future fertility issues would negatively affect their partner relationships and their ability to form such relationships.

Conclusion. This study demonstrates the high value of counseling young female cancer patients, providing professional support in addressing issues related to overcoming iatrogenic reduction or loss of fertility.