Parental knowledge of fertility in male childhood cancer survivors

Background. In childhood, cancer survivors fertility is a major point of concern. In boys, only semen analysis and impregnation confirm fertility. Since parents constitute a major source of information for children, we investigated recall and assumptions on their child's fertility. Procedure: One hundred and fifty-nine families with a boy surviving from cancer were asked for recall and expectations on fertility. Results: Fifty-two percent of parents recalled statements on fertility, in 36% this was not so, 12% did not remember. There were no differences for parental gender and age at diagnosis. In case of intensive treatment parents were better informed. After relapse parents were less informed. Nine percent of the parents expected infertility, 60% was uncertain, 31% expected normal fertility. Conclusions: Based on our and literature findings we conclude that only about half of the parents recalls information on fertility. Lack of information, despite written information, is probably caused by limited oral information provision and defective memorization. One-third of the parents assumed a normal fertility in their sons. It is highly recommended to check whether parents are adequately informed on fertility at moments they have coped the problems and emotions at initial diagnosis or at relapse, and if needed repeat the information. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.