Surviving childhood and reproductive-age malignancy: effects on fertility and future parenthood

Annually, more than 50,000 cancer diagnoses are made in the USA in patients under the age of 35 years. Despite this staggering statistic, medical advancements have substantially improved survival rates. Thus, for both male and female patients with cancer, quality-of-life issues, such as fertility preservation and parenthood, have become an essential component of treatment. Unfortunately, many of the treatments to eradicate malignant processes can also compromise reproductive function. In these cases, fertility preservation should be discussed and initiated with early treatment planning, to allow the best chance for future parenthood, when appropriate. The effects of cancer and cancer treatments on fertility and future parenthood, including health risks for patients, their gametes, and offspring are discussed.