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Fertility concerns for young males undergoing cancer therapy
Wendy L Hobbie1, Susan K Ogle, Jill P Ginsberg
1Cancer Survivorship Program, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Associate Program Director, Pediatric Oncology Program, School Of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA. Hobbie@email.chop.edu
Objectives:
To review the treatment factors that can affect male fertility, and the practices at a large metropolitan children's hospital that has successfully developed a sperm banking program. The role of the nurse in the education of families and facilitating the sperm banking process will be described.
Data Sources:
Review of the literature and anecdotal information.
Conclusion:
Because of increased survival rates over the past three decades in children diagnosed with cancer, the importance of preserving fertility has become paramount in the minds of health care providers, families, and patients.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Early identification and prompt referral for sperm banking by nurses are key factors in helping young male adolescents with cancer.
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