The current status of preconception counseling for female cancer survivors on cardiovascular complications in pregnancy: A questionnaire survey to doctors and survivors

Aim

The number of childhood or adolescent and young adult cancer survivors is increasing. Often, they encounter new problems, such as late complications after cancer treatment and pregnancy. Female cancer survivors were reported to have increased risks of obstetrical complications and pregnancy-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as cardiomyopathy. Therefore, preconception counseling (PC) is important. This study aimed to assess the current status of PC for cancer survivors through a questionnaire survey.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey was conducted on doctors specializing in oncology and female cancer survivors aged 18–39 years.

Results

In total, 34 doctors and 18 cancer survivors responded. Specifically, 32 (94.1%) explained the effect of cancer treatment on reproductivity, 8 (23.5%) explained the risks of CVD and other-organ complications during pregnancy, and 14 (41.2%) recommended PC and screening health checks to their patients before pregnancy. Although many doctors feel the importance and need for PC, only half responded that their facilities have a department in charge of PC. Sixteen cancer survivors (88.9%) were informed about their reproductivity before or during cancer treatment. Only two women (11.1%) were informed of the increased risks of CVD and other-organ complications during pregnancy. Four women (22.2%) received PC preoperatively.

Conclusions

Female cancer survivors are mostly informed about their reproductive health, but poorly informed about the CVD risks after conception. Currently, the implementation rate of PC is low; thus, spreading awareness of the importance of PC among doctors and patients is necessary.