Oncologists' use of patient educational materials about cancer and fertility preservation.

Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of distribution of fertility preservation (FP) materials, source of the materials, and providers' perceived relevance of the materials among a sample of US oncologists.

Methods: A 53-item survey was administered via mail and the Web to a stratified sample of oncologists from the American Medical Association Masterfile. This study represents a subset of results, reporting on three survey items.

Results: Among the 511 oncologists (32% response rate), only 13.5% (n = 69) reported 'always or often' giving their patients educational materials about FP. Among those who reported ever distributing materials, 39.5% used American Cancer Society materials, 11.0% used Fertile Hope, 6.4% used Lance Armstrong Foundation, and 11.8% used 'other'. Among those who provided materials, only 27.4% believe the FP materials they provide are 'relevant to patient's specific cancer diagnosis'.

Conclusion: There is need to improve oncologists' distribution of FP educational materials to patients with cancer.