Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the reproductive management of young women with breast cancer: A qualitative study based on social-ecological system theory

Abstract

Objective

To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals involved in the reproductive management of young women with breast cancer based on social-ecological systems.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 healthcare professionals from breast cancer specialties between January and June 2024. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted. Interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's content analysis method.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: the reproductive decision-making process needs to involve multiple parties; multiple supports should be provided during reproductive management; and reproductive management requires multi-system preparedness.

Conclusions

From the patient's perspective, we should respect their will, consider family decisions, and strengthen learning abilities. From the professionals' perspective, we should improve the reproductive management awareness of healthcare professionals, their professional learning ability and their cancer reproductive consultation and communication abilities. At the organizational level, social resources could be integrated to provide multidisciplinary information and multi-dimensional emotional support to promote smooth reproductive decision-making in young patients with breast cancer to improve their quality of life.