Challenges to Widespread Use of Fertility Preservation Facilities for Pediatric Cancer Patients in Japan

Although fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients is becoming more widespread in Japan, some facilities do not provide sufficient information regarding fertility. This study aimed to elucidate the problems pertaining to the lack of information about fertility among patients. Based on a 2020 survey, seminars addressing fertility preservation were held from the Designated Pediatric Cancer Care Hospitals in each of the seven blocks in Japan to their partner hospital (pediatric cancer hospitals). The seminar consisted of lectures and group discussions, and a questionnaire was also administered after each seminar. In the group discussions, a lack of explanations to patients and explanatory materials for children were cited as issues by many facilities. The survey results revealed a lack of material explaining fertility preservation and a lack of knowledge among health care providers. There were also many requests to use the patient explanation videos presented at the seminar. The results indicate that further education for health care providers by seminar and other sources and enhancement of explanatory materials are important for fertility preservation in pediatric cancer hospitals in Japan.