My doctor wants my child to start treatment right away. Does he or she even have time for this?

Your child’s health and safety are undoubtedly at the top of your list of priorities. Of course you want to have your child start treatment as soon as possible. Because cancer cells may be rapidly growing and spreading throughout the body, time is a very legitimate concern when considering fertility preservation procedures and whether they may be right for your child.

Fortunately, with today’s powerful cancer therapies, nearly 75% of children will survive their cancer and cancer treatment and go on to live full lives. In this light, planning for your child’s life after cancer is a valid and important concern.

There are several fertility preservation measures that can be taken during your child’s treatment, like dose fractionation and ovarian and testicular shielding. Other procedures, such as sperm banking for boys and ovarian tissue cryopreservation for girls, involve a delay in cancer treatment of only a few days.

Consulting a physician about the specifics of your child’s cancer and treatment is essential as you consider their fertility preservation options.

You can learn more about these options and prepare for your conversation with the doctor by using the links to the right.