Talking but not always understanding: couple communication about infertility concerns after cancer

Abstract Background Cancer related infertility can have an impact on couple relationships, with evidence that communication facilitates coping. However, little is known about the ways in which couples communicate cancer-related fertility concerns. The aim of this article to examine concerns context cancer, and perceived quality such from perspective cancer survivors their partners. Methods Eight-hundred seventy-eight (693 women, 185 men) 144 partners (82 62 men), across a range tumour types age groups, completed survey examined Seventy-eight (61 women 17 26 (13 13 participated semi-structured interviews, order subjective experience in-depth. Thematic analysis was used analyse interviews open ended questions. Valid percentages for single items relationships subscale Fertility Preservation Inventory (FPI) qualitative themes, identified frequency responses. Results major theme ‘talking but not always understanding”. 89.6% (95.1%) reported working well together handling questions (FPI), agreed could be improved (65.9% survivors; 65% partners). Open honest associated feelings support, understanding relationship growth, including perception partner comfort (79.2% survivors, 81.6% 32% 31.1% concealed avoid upsetting partner, or doesn’t understand (survivors 25.5%, 14.6%), 14.1% 19.4% reporting fear breakdown because issues. Fear rejection when forming new how talk future partners, by non-partnered individuals. Conclusion Health-care professionals should include discussions. Couple interventions developed general psycho-oncology extended domain fertility, facilitate effective communication. Communication needs addressed people adolescents young adults (AYAs) who