Testicular cancer fertility boost

Testicular cancer can be cured

The vast majority of testicular cancer patients are able to go on to have children, research shows.

Researchers quizzed just over 200 men who tried for a family after treatment for the disease between 1982 and 1992.

Of these, 77% fathered a child naturally, and another 10 became fathers after fertility treatment.

The study, by the Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, is published in the British Journal of Cancer.

SUCCESSFUL CONCEPTION Surgery alone: 85% Surgery and radiotherapy: 82% Surgery and chemotherapy: 71% Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy: 67%

It found patients treated with chemotherapy after surgery had an increased risk of infertility compared to those who had no follow-up treatment or had radiotherapy only. But it was less than had been expected.

The study also found that 83% of men who took part in the study said they had a satisfying sexual relationship with their partner.

Normal lives

Lead researcher Dr Robert Huddart said: "We have shown that after treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy the majority of men who want to father children can do so."

However, he said it was important that patients should be monitored for testosterone, as low levels of the male hormone can depress libido.

Professor Peter Rigby, chief executive of the Institute of Cancer Research, said: "This is very encouraging news; testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, many of whom are likely to hope to go on and have children following treatment.

"Not only is testicular cancer 99% curable if it is caught early enough, but the vast majority of men can go on to lead normal lives following treatment."

Around 2,000 cases of testicular cancer are registered in the UK each year. Around half of all cases are in men aged under 35.

The disease rarely occurs before puberty but it is the most common cancer in men aged 15-44 years.

Dr Simon Fishel, Managing Director of CARE Fertilility Group, Nottingham, said: "This encouraging report highlights the success of modern treatments for testicular cancer and restoration of fertility.

"Storing sperm prior to cancer therapy and availability of IVF technology means the vast majority of men can go on to have their own genetic children."