Navigating an Uncertain Future: A Qualitative Study Exploring Thoughts on Fertility and Oncofertility Counseling Among Young Cancer Patients
Sarah Humaid Al-Shamsi, Sara Musallam Alkatheeri, Abdulla Humaid Al-Shamsi, Mohammed Humaid Al-Shamsi, Amal Al Balushi, Faryal IqbalAbstract
Background:
Fertility preservation (FP) is an essential component of cancer survivorship care for adolescents and young adults. Despite international recommendations advocating timely oncofertility counseling before treatment initiation, little is known about the experiences of young cancer patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study explored patients’ fertility concerns, experiences with oncofertility counseling, and recommendations for improving FP services.
Materials and Methods:
A qualitative study guided by Husserlian descriptive phenomenology was conducted at the Burjeel Cancer Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Twenty-one cancer patients aged 18–39 years participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews between July and August 2025. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated where necessary, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis.
Results:
Four interconnected themes emerged: (1) fertility concerns and awareness of treatment-related risks, (2) experiences with oncofertility counseling and FP, (3) cultural and emotional barriers and enablers to oncofertility care, and (4) perceived gaps in care and opportunities for improvement. Participants reported considerable anxiety regarding treatment-related infertility and variable awareness of fertility risks at diagnosis. Experiences with counseling ranged from timely, supportive discussions to delayed or absent information. Family support, cultural values, religious beliefs, and emotional responses substantially influenced fertility-related decision-making. The major barriers included inconsistent counseling, financial constraints, limited access to fertility specialists, and insufficient time before treatment. Participants recommended routine early fertility discussions, multidisciplinary collaboration, dedicated fertility specialists, and improved access to FP services.
Conclusions:
Young cancer patients in the UAE experience substantial unmet oncofertility needs. Integrating timely, culturally sensitive, and patient-centered fertility counseling into routine oncology care may improve informed decision-making, reduce psychological distress, and strengthen survivorship care. These findings provide patient-informed recommendations to advance oncofertility services in the UAE.