Parenthood among men diagnosed with cancer in childhood and early adulthood: trends over time in a Danish national cohort

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) 2021-09, Vol.36 (9), p.2576-2586
• Main Authors: Sylvest, R, Vassard, D, Schmidt, L, Schmiegelow, K, Macklon, K T, Forman, J L, Pinborg, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab154

STUDY QUESTIONIs the rate of fatherhood among men diagnosed with cancer in childhood and early adulthood different from men without cancer, and, if so, have the differences changed over time? SUMMARY ANSWERMen diagnosed with cancer have had significantly reduced rates of fatherhood compared with undiagnosed men; however, the rates of fatherhood among the cancer survivors have increased markedly over time. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYThe number of children and young adolescents who survive cancer has steadily increased over recent decades, with a current 5-year survival rate of approximately 80%. Consequently, life circumstances after cancer have gained increasing importance, including the desire among survivors to have children and a family. ARTs to aid reproduction among cancer survivors have been developed, and fertility preservation is increasingly a topic being discussed before undergoing cancer treatment. But the potential for fertility preservation differs dependent on age at diagnosis and type of cancer. Earlier studies have shown a decreased fertility rate among survivors of child and adolescent cancer compared to those diagnosed in early adulthood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThis study is a national, register-based cohort study. Men diagnosed with cancer in childhood and early adulthood (