Oncofertility in Canada: cryopreservation and alternative options for future parenthood

Ronn, R.; Holzer, H.E.G.

doi:10.3747/co.21.1360

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 82 publications

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“…16 For survivors experiencing fertility impairment, alternative approaches to having biological children include assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction (e.g., egg or sperm donation), and adoption. 17,18 While some survivors embrace a life without children and do not seek alternative options, 19 others have pursued alternatives to biological children and reported challenges involved. For example, financial burden is frequently cited as a major barrier to both ART and adoption.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“We Can Always Adopt”: Perspectives of Adolescent and Young Adult Males with Cancer and Their Family on Alternatives to Biological Parenthood

Dattilo

Young

Lipak

et al. 2020

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

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Purpose: Approximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience impaired fertility, which is known to cause psychological distress. Yet, less than 50% of at-risk adolescent and young adult (AYA) males pursue fertility preservation (FP) at diagnosis. Alternatives to biological parenthood (e.g., adoption/sperm donation) may be considered, but little is known about perspectives regarding these alternatives among AYA males and their families. Methods: Families of AYAs were recruited for a mixed-method study examining FP decisions at cancer diagnosis. One month later, 48 participants from 20 families (18 male AYAs, 12-22 years of age, 19 mothers, 11 fathers) completed semistructured interviews, including two questions about: (a) alternative routes to biological parenthood, and (b) their knowledge about the processes involved and/or challenges associated with such alternatives. Verbatim transcripts were coded for thematic content using the constant comparison method. Results: Three main themes were identified, of which two represent both ends of considering alternative parenthood: (a) Willingness to consider alternatives to biological parenthood, primarily adoption; (b) No consideration/discussion of alternative family building options; and (c) Variable knowledge of alternatives and/or associated challenges. Notably, more AYAs than parents mentioned a specific preference for biological children. Conclusions: One-month postcancer diagnosis, most parents reported willingness to consider alternatives to biological parenthood for their sons, while AYA males were less knowledgeable or open to these options. Future research should prospectively examine how these attitudes affect FP decisions before treatment. Medical and psychosocial providers should counsel patients and survivors accordingly to optimize reproductive outcomes and prevent psychosocial distress if parenthood goals are unfulfilled.

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