The information needs of young women (YW) undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) regarding fertility and menopause issues.

e19539 Background: Approximately 30% of ESBC is diagnosed in women aged <51. YM form a unique cohort of ESBC pts, whose specific psycho-social needs are under-researched. There is a need to assess the adequacy of current strategies of imparting knowledge concerning age-specific side effects of AC in YM with ESBC Methods: Eligible pts were women under the age of 51 with stages I-III BC, who were undergoing adjuvant AC. Study pts took part in 2 in-depth thematic interviews, at 6 mth intervals, conducted by the same facilitator. Themes systematically explored included: how the diagnosis and prognosis were communicated, effects on relationships, including those with family and friends, and concerns regarding fertility, sexuality and body-image. Pts were encouraged to explore any other themes of concern to them. Results: A total of 33 pts were offered enrolment between Apr and Oct 2009 (approximately 65% of eligible pts seen in our institution, a large University Hospital). Eight pts declined, and of the 25 who were recruited, 24 were on AC, and 1 had completed AC. A total of 21 had children. Five were considering having another child prior to the diagnosis of BC. One of these was distressed that treatment induced menopause and its potential impact on her fertility had never been discussed. Two had no children and accepted that they would not. Two pts had hoped to have children and expressed significant distress at treatment related infertility. Both had sought information from sources outside the hospital. All women interviewed expressed a level of confusion regarding their menopause status. It ranged from having no knowledge about premature menopause to recognising menopausal symptoms but being unsure of the significance of them. All women expressed a desire for more information about treatment induced menopause. Some women commented that they were uncomfortable discussing concerns about their menopausal status because they felt there was an expectation that they should be grateful to have been cured of cancer. Conclusions: Young women with ESBC have unique information needs. Miscommunication/misunderstanding regarding fertility and menopause issues is common. No significant financial relationships to disclose.