Objectives Endometrial cancer (EC) or atypical hyperplasia (AH) in young women with obesity is often the first significant obesity-related comorbidity they experience. Significant, sustained weight loss through bariatric surgery may result in a durable response by addressing obesity directly, and subsequently improve oncologic and reproductive outcomes. However, it is not known whether bariatric surgery is acceptable to this patient population.

Methods We performed a qualitative study to understand the acceptability of bariatric surgery among women of reproductive age with BMI ≥ 35 and grade 1 EC/AH. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore participant perceptions towards their weight, fertility, and the possibility of bariatric surgery as part of the treatment strategy for their EC/AH.

Results Eleven participants with median age of 33 years (range 27–38) and BMI of 42.1 (35.1–56.9) were interviewed. Two (18%) participants had grade 1 EC, and 9 (82%) had AH. Patients were reluctant to accept bariatric surgery as a treatment option due to 1) lack of knowledge about the procedure, 2) stigma attached to bariatric surgery, and 3) fear of the unknown. The desire to conceive was highlighted as the strongest motivator for patients to consider bariatric surgery. Their perception towards their weight, fertility and diagnosis of EC/AH were characterized by concepts of ‘helplessness’, ‘isolation’, ‘frustration’ and ‘guilt’. We observed a significant gap in participant understanding of the complex interplay between their cancer, fertility and obesity.

Conclusions We need to provide patient-oriented counseling on implication of their weight on their cancer and fertility, before presenting bariatric surgery as a treatment option.