Gravidity and Fertility Desires of Female Cancer Survivors and Age-Matched Controls: Using the National Survey of Family Growth.

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzes differences in gravidity, fertility desires, and fertility treatment utilization among female cancer survivors relative to age-matched female controls with no history of cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized four data sets from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) ranging from 2011 to 2019. Out of 16,172 participants, 310 cancer survivors and 620 age-matched controls were identified. Secondary analysis assessed subgroups of survivors based on age at diagnosis, categorizing those diagnosed at age less than 20 years old as childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Statistical analysis involved frequencies (%), chi-square tests, and logistic regression models to compare reproductive history, fertility desires, and treatments sought among groups. Results: There was no significant difference in gravidity between female cancer survivors and age-matched controls. Gravid CCSs were more likely to want a/nother baby than gravid controls (p = 0.017). Nulligravid subjects had higher rates of fertility desires than gravid women, except in the CCS group. There were no significant differences in seeking fertility treatment between survivor groups and controls, except for higher rates of in vitro fertilization treatment in survivors diagnosed before their first pregnancy (3.4% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.017). Conclusion: Overall rates of gravidity are similar between female cancer survivors and non-survivors. However, there are differences in CCSs' desires for fertility. These findings emphasize the importance of thorough fertility preservation counseling and proactive consideration of fertility desires from the time of diagnosis through survivorship (particularly, for women diagnosed in childhood).