Psychological assistance in making decisions about preserving fertility for women with breast cancer

Abstract

This research is the final stage of the study of reproductive plans in women with breast cancer (BC). At the previous stages, socio-psychological factors influencing changes in reproductive plans and maintaining their health after the end of treatment in women with BC were identified. The purpose of this article is to study the need and areas of psychological support for women with BC at the stage of diagnosis and when making a decision to preserve fertility. The study involved 106 women, using a questionnaire specially developed for this study. The study was conducted on the basis of the ANO Service "Clear Morning". The results of the study showed that at the stage of diagnosis and treatment of BC, women experience a high intensity of negative emotions, and as a result, issues of reproductive plans and the possibility of preserving fertility (FP) are often repressed and remain unresolved without specially organized psychological and medical support. The obtained data indicate that it is necessary to include psychological support for women with breast cancer on a mandatory basis at the stage of diagnosis of the disease and treatment in order to correct their reproductive plans and the possibility of participating in SF programs, including with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The work of a psychologist should also be included in the communication process of patients with oncologists and reproductive specialists, which will help relieve doctors of some of the tasks of psycho-emotional support for patients and develop adaptive behavior of patients and doctors in the current circumstances.