Hodgkin's disease: impact on childbearing

Although Hodgkin's disease is considered one of the "curable" cancers, the high cure rates associated with this disease are not accomplished without risk of potentially severe, immediate, and late side effects. Because the predominant histologic subtype of Hodgkin's disease found in the United States generally affects the 15- to 25-year-old age group, the disease, its treatment, and the side effects of treatment will affect many women of childbearing age. The treatment and its effects on the patient and offspring, including posttreatment fertility, are key issues for perinatal nurses.