Motivation for parenthood after cancer: a review.

Abstract

Research on the psychosocial aspects of parenthood after cancer is just beginning. Because of delayed childbearing and increasing success of cancer treatment, more young adults are experiencing infertility related to their past cancer treatment. Pilot surveys of 132 young men and women in one sample and 201 men in a second indicate that for a majority of cancer survivors, their illness increases the value they place on family ties. Nevertheless, 17% of women had unrealistically high anxiety about pregnancy causing cancer recurrence, and even greater percentages of survivors feared that their children would be at high risk for birth defects or cancer. More research is needed with large and diverse samples of cancer survivors to create educational and supportive interventions for those interested in becoming parents after cancer.