"Infertility Isn't a Choice!": Conversations on Twitter about the Financial Burden of Oncofertility Care

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2024 Dec;13(6):876-881. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0035. Epub 2024 May 13.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate how the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community utilized Twitter to discuss the financial challenges of oncofertility care and to advocate for change. Tweets related to oncofertility and finances (n = 166), collected over a 12-week time period encompassing AYA Cancer Awareness Week, were thematically analyzed. Conversations highlighted how the high cost of care contributed to already high emotional and social distress. Proposed actions included providing timely information more equitably, improving access to financial support, and continued advocacy of policy changes to improve access to oncofertility care. Future research can explore the potential impact on policy change and clinical care.

Keywords: adolescent and young adult; fertility preservation; financial toxicity; oncofertility; social media.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation / economics
  • Fertility Preservation / methods
  • Fertility Preservation / psychology
  • Humans
  • Infertility / economics
  • Infertility / psychology
  • Male
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Social Media*
  • Young Adult