"Creating a family after battling cancer is exhausting and maddening": Exploring real-world experiences of young adult cancer survivors seeking financial assistance for family building after treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Young adult (YA) cancer survivors who received gonadotoxic therapy are at risk for impaired fertility and/or childbearing difficulties. This study explored the experiences and financial concerns of survivors pursuing family building through assisted reproductive technology (ART) and adoption.

Methods

Retrospective study of data collected from grant applications for financial assistance with family building. Grounded theory methodology using an inductive data-driven approach guided qualitative data analysis.

Results

Participants (N = 46) averaged 32 years old (SD = 3.4) were primarily female (81%) and married/partnered (83%). Four main themes were identified representing the (1) emotional experiences and (2) financial barriers to family building after cancer,

SUBMITTER: Benedict C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6860028 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature