Effect of cancer and cancer treatment on human reproduction

Cancer affecting children and individuals of reproductive age is associated with dilemmas concerning the ability to have a child and whether this child will be healthy. This is particularly true in light of the recent advances in the early detection of cancer and its effective treatment, which has improved survival rates. Both the cancer itself and its treatment have tremendous adverse effects on human reproduction and may result in the complete termination of reproductive ability both in men and women. Even in situations when conception is successfully achieved following cancer diagnosis and treatment, there are concerns regarding the potential increased risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. This is especially true when pregnancy occurs shortly after cancer treatment. Moreover, there is a potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities and malformations in the offspring due to possible genetic defects in the germ cells induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, there is (at least theoretically) an increased risk of cancer developing in the offspring, particularly with hereditary cancer syndromes. A multidisciplinary team aware of the possible consequences of cancer treatment on reproduction is very much needed to provide optimal care for these patients after proper counseling regarding the potential adverse effects of cancer treatment on reproduction.