Young Cervical Cancer Patients and Fertility

Objectives

To review the incidence of cervical cancer in reproductive age women and identify reproductive issues for these patients. To identify surgical methods of fertility preservation in cervical cancer and advanced reproductive technologies available to patients.

Data Sources

Epidemiologic data, published research reports, and patient management guidelines.

Conclusion

Young women with cervical cancer are a special population with unique needs regarding fertility.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Nurses caring for young patients with cervical cancer must be aware of both the surgical fertility preservation options, which patients are candidates for these surgeries and the options for assisted reproductive technology. Nurses need to be able to coordinate care for these patients with gynecologic oncologists and reproductive endocrinologists in order to facilitate optimal outcomes.

Key Words: Cervical cancer, fertility, trachelectomy, advanced reproductive technologies