A recent study by the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that chemotherapy and radiation treatments have little impact on future generations.
According to the Fox News article, “Out of 4,700 babies born to survivors at least five years after they finished treatment, 129, just under 3 percent, had at least one birth defect, including cleft lip and palate, Down syndrome and heart and blood vessel defects.”
The study shows that women cancer patients actually have less of a percentage of children with birth defects, 3 percent, compared to the national average of 3.5 percent. Though not a huge difference, it does help prove that cancer treatments do not have an effect on future generations in regards to birth defects.
Because the study was so extensive and the researchers had access to medical records, this proves to be quite significant and great news for the cancer community.
Fertile Action, is of course, thrilled to hear the news of this study. For more information on our pro-bono and discounted fertility preservation for women touched by cancer please visit our Cancer & Fertility page.
To help us continue to help women touched by cancer become mothers join our Fertile Action Network.
