Last reviewed: February 2007
For general information about Cancerbackup's Discussion topics please see the introductory page.
As cancer treatments achieve better success and improved survival the long-term effects of both illness and treatment take on a greater significance for people.
Concerns about the impact of cancer treatment on fertility are frequently raised by adults, young people and the parents of children having cancer treatment. Increasingly, people want information about options to maintain their reproductive potential.(1)
We have included the following information the effects on fertility of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and hormonal therapy and fertility preservation.
Introduction
It is important that people are given accurate and up-to-date information to help them cope with the potential side effects of cancer treatment. Fertility should be discussed before treatment starts, so that steps can be taken (if possible and appropriate) to improve the person's chances of becoming a parent in the future.
The impact of cancer and its treatment on fertility will depend on a person's individual circumstances. Factors that can affect fertility include:
- the cancer itself
- the type of treatment given
- the age at which treatment is given (in women, fertility naturally decreases with age)
- the gender of the person having treatment
When seeing patients of reproductive age, health professionals need to address the potential impact on fertility of any proposed treatment. With children, these issues should be discussed with the parents.
People who are about to have treatment may ask questions such as:
- How will this treatment affect my fertility?
- Will any effects be permanent?
- How soon will I know what the effect will be?
- What can be done to preserve my fertility?
- When can we start a family?
- What about the effect of treatment on any future pregnancy?
- My child is having treatment, how will it affect their fertility?
The Cancer Q&As section addresses some of these questions. Using the search terms ‘fertility’ and ‘pregnancy’ will help you locate them.