Helping preserve fertility for young cancer patients

More than 80% of childhood cancer patients survive, but treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause fertility issues later on. To help clinicians navigate fertility preservation with their young cancer patients, the American Academy of Pediatrics is out with new recommendations that encourage providers to speak with patients about their options and to consider which method is best for the patient and the costs of such a decision. It also anticipates disagreements among families: “When conflicts arise between the parent and child regarding fertility preservation,” the authors write, “all possible attempts should be made to support an open future for the child while respecting the family’s wishes.”