The birds and the bees and the bank: Talking with families about future fertility amidst a cancer diagnosis

Abstract

There are many reasons why discussions about fertility preservation may be difficult after a cancer diagnosis, though it is critical that these discussions occur prior to the start of cancer treatment in order to give patients the greatest chance of successfully having children in the future. There are many educational materials available and several new online tools that can connect patients with the information they need to make a decision about their fertility; however, face-to-face communication with health-care providers is a more effective way to convey complex information regarding cancer treatment and fertility. This chapter describes recent research into the beliefs and attitudes of adolescents and young adults regarding their fertility and how clinicians can more effectively conduct discussions about fertility with cancer patients within the difficult context of a recent cancer diagnosis.