@article{article_1716632, title={Perceptions of Fertility and Coping Strategies Among Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study}, journal={İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi}, volume={11}, pages={520–526}, year={2026}, DOI={10.61399/ikcusbfd.1716632}, url={https://izlik.org/JA22YF76XX}, author={Yetkin, Döndü and Serçekuş, Pınar}, keywords={cancer, Fertility, fertility preservation, qualitative research}, abstract={Objective: Patients undergoing cancer treatment are concerned about its negative fertility effects, frequently feeling unsupported by healthcare staff. Understanding patients’ feelings and perspectives toward fertility is considered important for planning their care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the feelings and perspectives of cancer patients regarding fertility. Material and Methods: The study included thirteen participants who had been diagnosed with cancer at least one year prior, were not in the terminal stage, were over 18 years of age, and had at least a primary school education. The study utilized a descriptive qualitative approach . The researcher employed a face-to-face interview strategy to collect data, using a semi-structured interview form. Data were analyzed through content analysis. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data: Emotions experienced, prioritizing recovery , desire to have a child, and coping. The majority of patients stated that having children is their top desire, although they still want to recover. The patients’ feelings of anxiety, fear, grief, and humiliation around their impacted fertility and the likelihood that they would not be able to conceive were found to be present. Patients coped with their condition through support from family members, relatives, and healthcare professionals; the use of personal coping strategies; positive thinking; reliance on religion; and fertility-preserving treatments. Conclusion: Patients expressed concern regarding the effects of cancer treatments on fertility. It is crucial to provide patients diagnosed with cancer with information about the potential impact of the disease and its treatments on fertility, as well as available fertility-preserving options.}, number={3}