Fertility in testicular cancer patients: a single-centre study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND

Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer in males. Since the disease is seen in young men and long-term survival is ensured following a high treatment success rate, fertility in testicular cancer patients is much more important. Prior to commencement of cancer treatment, patients are given counselling with regard to infertility and sexual function, and sperm banking is commonly carried out. The aim of this study was to assess the fertility status prior to and following treatment of monitored testicular cancer patients whose treatment had been completed.

METHODS

110 patients diagnosed with and treated for testicular cancer at the Medical Oncology Clinic at Akdeniz University during the years 2000-2016 were evaluated for the study. The patients' disease and treatment information was obtained from their records. The patients' characteristics and fertility statuses were determined by means of interviews with the patients.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 36 (20-73) and 39.1% of them (n = 43) were aged between 30 and 39. The average length of follow-up was 6.20 ± 3.36 (2-17) years. It was determined that 42.7% of the patients had banked sperm following diagnosis and that 74.5% of them had received counselling. Following treatment, 33 patients (30%) fathered children. The average time taken to father children after treatment was 3 years.

CONCLUSION

In testicular cancer patients, fatherhood is achieved spontaneously or with the cryopreservation process. Counselling plays an important role at the time of diagnosis. It is essential that health professionals in oncology clinics give counselling about fertility in testicular cancer.