Male cancer survivors miss vital fertility advice

Over a third surveyed by researchers from the University of Sheffield had never attended a follow-up appointment to assess their fertility after banking sperm prior to treatment and a further third had attended on only one occasion.

Sperm banking is routinely recommended for all men diagnosed with cancer who are at risk of long-term infertility from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the university, said: “Trying to engage men with this subject is notoriously difficult.

“Many men store their sperm and then do not contact us again, even though there are legal reasons to keep in contact.

“Our research suggests that there is a need to educate men about the benefits of attending follow-up fertility clinics and long-term consequences of non-attendance.”

Men who suffered fewer side-effects during treatment and those who had a negative experience of banking sperm were found to be more likely to miss follow-up appointments, the Cancer Research UK-funded study found.

Failing to attend means men miss out on vital advice about their fertility and options, which could affect their ability to have children, researchers said.

Sperm samples may also be disposed of after 10 years if ongoing infertility cannot be confirmed under current regulations – which patients may not be aware of.

Psychology professor Christine Eiser said: “Sperm banking is highly valued by men who want the option to have children once cancer treatment is completed.

“Our research found many men do not know how cancer treatment can affect their fertility or the likelihood of fertility recovery.

“Having received a cancer diagnosis, patients immediately need to take in a lot of information regarding treatments and side-effects and it can be challenging to discuss potential longer-term effects on fertility at this time.

“We therefore need a mechanism to ensure that men are given information about fertility issues at a later date and certainly before treatment ends.”