Presented by a partner research group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia, FOCUS is a double blind randomized controlled trial of a pediatric fertility preservation decision aid in parents and child adolescents and young adults (CAYA) cancer survivors.
Some cancer treatments can affect hormones and reduce fertility, but the effect is variable. Many survivors are able to have natural pregnancies later in life but others might be advised to freeze reproductive tissue or eggs or sperm in an attempt to try to protect fertility.
Decisions about fertility may arise at all stages of the treatment journey (diagnosis, during treatment or after treatment). After treatment other questions may arise about development, hormone therapy, safe respectful relationships, sexual health, how to evaluate fertility and options for achieving parenthood.
FOCUS study will assess if the fertility information resources provided are effective at meeting young people’s information needs and helping them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. For more info please visit: https://www.mcri.edu.au/research/projects/focus-study