Enhancing Oncofertility Education in German Medical Training: Nationwide Survey Insights

Overview

A nationwide survey of 346 German medical students revealed significant knowledge gaps in fertility preservation counseling for cancer patients, despite high interest in the topic. The study underscores the urgent need to integrate oncofertility education systematically into medical curricula to improve future patient care.

Background

Cancer treatments can lead to infertility and premature ovarian insufficiency, causing substantial long-term health and psychosocial burdens for young patients. International guidelines recommend early oncofertility counseling for all reproductive-age cancer patients, yet many do not receive adequate information or referrals. In Germany, statutory health insurance now covers fertility preservation, but physician knowledge and prioritization remain barriers. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, represent a critical target group for improving fertility preservation counseling through enhanced education.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Only 36.1% of medical students had attended a seminar on fertility preservation in cancer patients.
• 43.4% had studied gynecology, and 43.6% had practical experience in this field, indicating partial exposure to relevant clinical content.
• 80% of students expressed a desire to gain more knowledge about fertility preservation and reproductive medicine.
• Knowledge gaps exist regarding fertility preservation techniques and counseling, with associations between academic progress and knowledge level.
• Most students (74.4%) personally value having biological children, highlighting the relevance of fertility topics to their future practice.
• Female students comprised the majority of respondents (80.3%), reflecting potential gender-related perspectives on fertility preservation education.

Clinical Implications

Integrating comprehensive oncofertility education into the German medical curriculum is essential to equip future physicians with the knowledge and skills needed for timely fertility preservation counseling. Addressing current knowledge gaps can improve referral rates and patient access to fertility-preserving treatments, ultimately reducing the long-term burden of cancer therapies on reproductive health. Early education may also foster positive attitudes toward reproductive technologies and alternative parenthood pathways.

Conclusion

This first nationwide assessment highlights critical deficiencies in medical student knowledge and training on fertility preservation in Germany. Systematic curricular integration of oncofertility topics is urgently needed to enhance future healthcare quality for young cancer patients.

References

1. ASCO and ESMO Guidelines on Fertility Preservation
2. German Statutory Health Insurance Coverage for Fertility Preservation, 2021
3. National Competency-Based Learning Objectives Framework Medicine (NKLM), Germany
4. Charité Ethics Committee Approval and Survey Methodology, 2024