RATIONALE: Learning about the amount of information on fertility and infertility by patients before they received treatment for cancer in a comprehensive cancer center may help doctors plan the best treatment.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying the amount of information on fertility and infertility received by patients before treatment of cancer in patients who have finished treatment.

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

• To determine the amount of information received on aspects of fertility and infertility in patients with cancer prior to receiving treatment in a comprehensive cancer center.

Secondary

• To analyze whether the information received by patients is related to the desire to be parents.
• To analyze whether the information received by patients is related to the desire to be informed.
• To determine whether there is a relationship between demographic data, diagnosis, quality of life, and associated psychosocial information received by patients.

OUTLINE: Patients complete questionnaires (Lickert and QLQ-C30) on the amount of information received prior to therapy and psychosocial issues on aspects of fertility and infertility once within 1-2 years after receiving treatment.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of breast cancer, germ cell tumor, colon cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or sarcoma

  • Free of disease

• Completed treatment within the past 1-2 years

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• ECOG performance status 0-1
• Must be able to read and self-complete study questionnaires
• No psychological conditions that may prevent participation in the study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics
• No concurrent treatment (hormonal treatment for breast cancer is allowed)