Providing Fertility Preservation Services in Breast Cancer Patients and Barriers to Receiving Them in Iran: A Qualitative Study Publisher



Roshandel S¹ ; Lamyian M² ; Azin SA³ ; Mohammadi E⁴ ; Haghighat S⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: Different methods of cancer treatment can lead to the destruction of fertility. Preserving fertility before starting treatment provides an opportunity for future fertility. This study aimed to explain how to provide fertility preservation services and the barriers to receiving them for breast cancer patients in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional qualitative content analysis method. Participants included service providers and breast cancer survivors who were purposively selected. Sampling continued until data saturation. Data were collected through the use of unstructured, in-depth interviews with participants. Data analysis was performed using the Granheim and Landman method (2004). Findings: Data analysis led to the emerging theme entitled insufficient coverage of fertility preservation services in breast cancer patients. It means that despite access to different fertility preservation methods by the latest technology in the world, there are obstacles, such as lack of equal access to services, high costs, lack of insurance coverage, urgency in starting treatment, priority to save the patient's life, and lack of information to some patients, prevents some eligible people from receiving fertility preservation services. Conclusion: Considering the importance of having children in improving the quality of life of breast cancer survivors, it seems necessary to remove the barriers to fertility preservation in breast cancer survivors. © 2025 Roshandel et al.