Problems of reproductive function in survivors of childhood‐ and adolescent and young adult‐onset cancer revealed in a part of a national survey of Japan

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the current status of reproductive disorders as long‐term complications in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients by comparing survivors of childhood‐onset with those of AYA‐onset cancer in Japan. Methods We conducted a national survey of AYA cancer survivors and healthy AYAs and analyzed the results from survivors who underwent chemotherapy and reported fertility problems as their current concern. Results Among all of the childhood‐onset survivors, 27 (35.5%; nine males [28.1%] and 18 females [40.9%]) listed reproduction fertility problems as their current concern. Among all AYA‐onset survivors, 25 (69.5%; 1/4 males [25.0%] and 24/32 females [75.0%]) listed these problems as a current concern. In contrast, 96.3% (26/27) of all childhood‐onset cancer survivors and 68.0% (17/25) of all AYA‐onset cancer survivors who received chemotherapy listed these problems as a current concern. Conclusions A considerable number of both childhood‐onset and AYA‐onset cancer survivors, and especially those who had undergone chemotherapy, reported reproductive dysfunction as a delayed complication. It is vitally important to establish a supportive care system both for the patients whose fertility was abolished after the completion of cancer treatment and prophylactically for patients before they begin treatment.

Keywords

• adolescent
• cancer survivors
• fertility preservation
• reproduction
• young adults