The lived experience of reproductive health concerns among female cancer survivors: a descriptive phenomenological study

Background: Female cancer survivors who received their diagnosis during adolescence or young adulthood may experience adverse effects of the treatment on their reproductive health, resulting in significant psychological and psychosocial burdens. These reproductive health concerns provoke profound conflicts regarding femininity and life trajectory, underscoring the importance of understanding their lived experiences within the context of cancer survivorship. This study aimed to elucidate the lived experience of reproductive health concerns among female cancer survivors who developed cancer as adolescents or young adults. Methods: This study used a descriptive phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 female cancer survivors who developed cancer as adolescents or young adults and who either had a history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy or were undergoing treatment that prohibits pregnancy. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi Model. Results: Three clusters, namely “Concerns about loss,” “Constraints imposed by social norms,” and “Coming to terms with concerns about loss,” and 11 themes were extracted. The themes included “Concerns about the impact of treatment toxicity on fertility,” “Concerns about inability to fulfill the maternal role,” “Loss of ability to conceive naturally,” “Stigma associated with expectations to prioritize the maternal role over fertility,” “Prioritizing survival,” and “Concerns about loss of feminine identity,” among others. Conclusion: The impact on reproductive health raises strong awareness of the effects on one’s future and family, which can cause wavering trust in one’s body and feelings of guilt about the inability to fulfill maternal roles. These concerns relate to social role expectations and self-stigma, leading to potential identity crises.