| Over the past 25 years, the curability of childhood cancers has improved dramatically. Survivors are now able to look past life saving measures, and focus on long-term issues, such as quality of life. Treatments for childhood cancer in female patients can have profound effects on fertility: impairing ovarian function, disrupting the hormonal regulation of the reproductive system by the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, and damaging the patency of reproductive structures, such as the fallopian tubes and the uterus. Although the only established fertility preservation method is embryo cryopreservation, further consideration should be given to experimental protocols, such as oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation, which are more appropriate for adolescent females. There has been an evolution in recent years towards increased participation of pediatric patients in decision making, through the process of informed assent. This trend should be encouraged, and more authority given to adolescent patients, allowing them to play a more active role in their health care decisions, particularly when considering their reproductive health. |
