Family-building after breast cancer: Considering the effect on adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy Journal Article


Authors: Benedict, C.; Thom, B.; Teplinsky, E.; Carleton, J.; Kelvin, J. F.
Article Title: Family-building after breast cancer: Considering the effect on adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy
Abstract: Adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) is a longstanding problem in breast cancer (BC) survivorship care, particularly among younger women. Younger patients have reported lower ET initiation rates and greater rates of early discontinuation and are considered an “at risk” group for nonadherence. For women who hope to have children in the future, concerns about premature menopause and the implications of postponing childbearing for the 5 to 10 years of ET are widespread. Preliminary evidence suggests that prioritizing fertility, along with concerns about side effects, leads to ET noninitiation and early discontinuation. Clinical efforts to improve adherence might need to consider patients’ family-building goals during the course of treatment and to appropriately counsel patients according to their priorities and family-building intentions. Educational materials about family building after cancer are still not consistently available or provided. Helping patients to access trusted informational resources and decision support tools, in conjunction with medical counseling, will promote informed decisions regarding ET adherence and pregnancy that are medically appropriate. Such shared patient–provider decision-making about ET adherence and pregnancy could help to maximize patient autonomy by incorporating their values, preferences, and priorities into decisions, using providers’ medical expertise. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: young adult; adjuvant therapy; infertility; tamoxifen; fertility
Journal Title: Clinical Breast Cancer
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1526-8209
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2017-06-01
Start Page: 165
End Page: 170
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2016.12.002
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 28087390
DOI/URL:
Notes: Note -- Export Date: 3 July 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Bridgette Thom
    95 Thom
  2. Joanne F Kelvin
    91 Kelvin