Issue

Fertility issues in childhood cancer survivors

Background

The possibility of infertility can be devastating to childhood cancer survivors and may come as a surprise if the survivor doesn't recall it being discussed at the time of treatment. Treatment for childhood cancer MAY affect fertility, currently or in the future for both males and females.

Information

There are many factors that can determine whether fertility may be a problem, including surgery; chemotherapy with certain agents and total dose; radiation therapy sites and total dose; and the age of the child at the time of treatment. Because of these many variables, it is important that each individual survivor understand their own treatment and it's potential for effecting fertility, currently or in the future. It is also common for survivors to be worried that a pregnancy would increase the chance of recurrence, or the may be worried that they might be at risk for complications with pregnancy, or that their child might be at risk for birth defects or cancer. All of these concerns should be discussed with your physician who can frequently provide reassurance and/or a referral to the appropriate fertility specialist. In addition, there are increasing numbers of assisted reproductive technologies that may be available to survivors whose fertility may be affected.

Resources

Green, Daniel M, MD. Long-term Complication of Therapy for Cancer in Childhood and Adolescence. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989.

Schwartz, Cindy, et al. Survivors of Childhood Cancer, Assessment and Management, Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1994.

Resolve
National Office
1310 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144-1731
617-623-07044
Resolve is a national organization helping infertile people and the medical infertility community.