Is the Perspective of Radiation Oncologists on Fertility and Contraception in Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the Reproductive Age Changing? Results of a National Survey

OBJECTIVE
As survival rates improve among reproductive-age breast cancer patients, fertility preservation, preg-nancy, and contraception have become increasingly important quality-of-life issues. Radiation oncolo-gists frequently encounter these patients; however, their awareness and clinical practices regarding on-cofertility and contraception in Türkiye remain unclear.
METHODS
A 15-item national survey was conducted among radiation oncologists practicing in Türkiye to evalu-ate approaches to fertility preservation, pregnancy counseling, ovarian protection, and contraception in premenopausal breast cancer patients. The survey was distributed electronically, and responses were analyzed descriptively.
RESULTS
A total of 131 radiation oncologists viewed the survey, and 29 (22.1%) completed it. None of the re-spondents routinely contoured ovaries during breast radiotherapy planning. While 71.4% reported that fertility and pregnancy issues had been discussed during prior clinical evaluations, only 42.9% routinely discussed contraception in their own practice. More than one-third of respondents believed that preg-nancy could be prevented by concurrent use of GnRH agonists and tamoxifen. Although 92.6% empha-sized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, fertility, pregnancy, and contraception were not consistently integrated into daily radiation oncology practice.
CONCLUSION
Despite growing awareness of the importance of fertility-related issues, radiation oncologists in Türkiye do not routinely address fertility preservation, pregnancy, and contraception in young breast cancer patients. Systematic integration of oncofertility counseling into radiation oncology practice and closer multidisciplinary collaboration are essential to meet the evolving expectations of this patient population.

Keywords: Breast cancer; contraception; fertility; multidisciplinary approach; radiotherapy.