SGO and Society of Family Planning Release Updated Clinical Guidance on Contraception for Individuals Affected by Cancer
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), in partnership with the Society of Family Planning (SFP), is proud to announce the publication of a new, three-part clinical recommendation: Contraceptive Considerations for Individuals with Cancer and Cancer Survivors. This comprehensive resource provides clinicians with evidence-based, actionable guidance to support reproductive decision-making in the context of cancer care and survivorship. “This three-part clinical recommendation was developed in collaboration with the Society of Family Planning and reflects a truly interdisciplinary approach to care,” said SGO Clinical Practice Committee Vice Chair, Carolyn McCourt, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at Washington University in St. Louis. “In an era of rapidly shifting access to reproductive health care, this document offers a vital, evidence-informed framework to support equitable, person-centered contraceptive care for individuals affected by cancer. SGO is committed to ensuring that our patients’ reproductive health needs are met with the same high quality and compassion as their cancer care and hope this is a valuable resource for the providers and patients we serve.”
The series includes:
Part 1: Key considerations for clinical care, emphasizing the importance of contraception access as a pillar of reproductive equity
Part 2: Disease-specific guidance for breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers
Part 3: Recommendations for skin, blood, gastrointestinal, liver, lung, central nervous system, and other cancers
The publication incorporates the most recent 2024 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use and responds to evolving cancer treatment landscapes, including novel therapies and extended maintenance regimens that heighten the need for tailored, informed contraceptive counseling.
“We hope this document draws attention to the importance of addressing the contraceptive needs of cancer patients and provides clinicians with a central resource to use in shared decision making with patients,” Dr. McCourt said. Access the full clinical recommendation here.