Gwendolyn Quinn, PhD, from Moffitt Cancer Center and professor of oncologic sciences at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, discusses the importance of educating nurses and physicians about reproductive health.

Quinn says she believes few professionals receive education in this area and generally do not feel comfortable talking about it. One reason for an uncomfortable feeling, she says, may be because of personal values.

One aspect of the Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare (ENRICH) training program includes asking nurses to examine their own values. Quinn says nurses need to provide patients with information about reproductive health regardless of their own values.

Finally, as the general public hears more stories about fertility preservation, the topic is becoming more normal than it was a few years ago.

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Gwendolyn Quinn, PhD, discusses the importance of educating nurses and physicians about reproductive health.

Gwendolyn Quinn on Educating Nurses and Physicians About Reproductive Health

Gwendolyn Quinn, PhD, from Moffitt Cancer Center and professor of oncologic sciences at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, discusses fertility concerns among survivors of childhood cancer.

Fertility and reproductive health is the most important quality of life concern in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer, Quinn says.

Over the past decade, several national organizations have issued guidelines urging oncology care providers to discuss potential threats of fertility with their patients and refer them to specialists.

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Gwendolyn Quinn, PhD, from Moffitt Cancer Center and professor of oncologic sciences at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, discusses fertility concerns among survivors of childhood cancer.


Gwendolyn Quinn Discusses Fertility Concerns in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Gwendolyn Quinn, PhD, from Moffitt Cancer Center and professor of oncologic sciences at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, discusses factors that can potentially impact fertility for patients with cancer.

While at least 12% of the population is infertile to begin with, Quinn points out that people with cancer have an increased risk of fertility problems as a result of their cancer, surgery and treatment — primarily chemotherapy and radiation.

Another issue that young women with cancer could face is premature menopause, with which they will have to be monitored for problems that women age 50 and older are prone to, including cardiac, bone and other issues.

Gwendolyn Quinn, PhD

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Gwendolyn Quinn on Educating Nurses and Physicians About Reproductive Health

Gwendolyn Quinn Discusses Fertility Concerns in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Gwendolyn Quinn Discusses Cancer's Potential Impacts on Fertility