The impact of cancer treatment on reproductive health in young women

The diagnosis of cancer can precipitate a re-evaluation of life at all ages. In children, adolescents and young adults, a cancer diagnosis and its treatment poses specific challenges that can affect all aspects of reproductive health resulting in considerable physical, psychological and psychosexual burden. Improved survival means that this cohort of patients is expanding and with an improving life span, the resulting morbidity is also extended. The demands of this group of patients are often not fully integrated in the operational functions of the health service with considerable variation in care. This review discusses the common reproductive morbidities amongst survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer whilst planning, delivering and following cancer treatment. This includes the current issues on the assessment of ovarian reserve and preservation of fertility.