Fertility in testicular cancer patients: a single-centre study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer in males. Since the disease is seen in young men and long-term survival is ensured following a high treatment success rate, fertility in testicular cancer patients is much more important. Prior to commencement of cancer treatment, patients are given counselling with regard to infertility and sexual function, and sperm banking is commonly carried out. The aim of this study was to assess the fertility status prior to and following treatment of monitored testicular cancer patients whose treatment had been completed. METHODS: 110 patients diagnosed with and treated for testicular cancer at the Medical Oncology Clinic at Akdeniz University during the years 2000-2016 were evaluated for the study. The patients' disease and treatment information was obtained from their records. The patients' characteristics and fertility statuses were determined by means of interviews with the patients. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 36 (20-73) and 39.1% of them (n = 43) were aged between 30 and 39. The average length of follow-up was 6.20 ± 3.36 (2-17) years. It was determined that 42.7% of the patients had banked sperm following diagnosis and that 74.5% of them had received counselling. Following treatment, 33 patients (30%) fathered children. The average time taken to father children after treatment was 3 years. CONCLUSION: In testicular cancer patients, fatherhood is achieved spontaneously or with the cryopreservation process. Counselling plays an important role at the time of diagnosis. It is essential that health professionals in oncology clinics give counselling about fertility in testicular cancer.

Correction to: Fertility in testicular cancer patients: a single­centre study in Turkey.

The updated version of Table 4 of original publication and the Compliance with ethical standards are given in this correction.

Reasons for complementary therapy use by cancer patients, information sources and communication with health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients are known to commonly use complementary therapies (CT). However, it is emphasized that patients do not share sufficient information with health professionals about this subject and that the subject is ignored in oncology practice. The aim of the study is to assess cancer patients' reasons for using complementary therapy, information resources and communication with health professionals. METHODS: The study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. In this study, a questionnaire was used by the researchers. A questionnaire form consisting of 3 parts was used. In the first part of this form, there were questions about the gender, age and educational status of the patients (8 questions). In the second part, there were questions about disease and treatment information (3 questions), and the third part had questions about the use of complementary therapies (9 questions). To determine the use of complementary therapy, patients were asked 'Do you currently use complementary treatment?' (Yes or No). 183 patients included in the study completed the questionnaire about complementary therapies. RESULTS: In this study, it was determined that 37.7% of the patients were using complementary therapies. The most commonly used complementary therapy was natural products (46.4%). The most common reason for using complementary therapy was to provide support for treatment. Almost half of the cancer patients (48.5%) did not talk about this issue with their physicians, and 41.1% of them did not talk about CT with their nurses. The study found that the most important reason why the patients did not talk about CT was that they were not asked about it by health professionals. CONCLUSION: This study determined that almost half of patients could not receive information about CT from health professionals. Patients expect physicians and nurses to initiate communication on this subject. Providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based counseling about CT is essential for improving patient safety and patient outcomes.

The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (CIPNAT).

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common treatment-related adverse effect. It adversely affects the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to evaluate symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool in Turkish patients. METHODS: A convenience sample of 327 patients, being treated with peripheral neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents were asked to fill in the questionnaire. The data was evaluated using SPSS 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL, USA) statistical software. The verification of the structure obtained with CFA was provided by AMOS 21.0. Psychometric testing included internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient and item-total correlations), test-retest reliability, validity (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity). RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha value of the scale was 0.97. The test-retest reliability results were significantly high. The CIPNAT significantly correlated with the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. The model was validated by confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/sd = 2.74, GFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.07, and RMR = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the CINAT was found to be reliable and valid with Turkish patients receiving chemotherapy. Use of the CIPNAT may lead to a better understanding of symptom. The CIPNAT can be used in future nursing research and practice as an assessment tool for peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer who undergo chemotherapy.