Fertility Preservation Discussions With Male Adolescents With Cancer and Their Parents“Ultimately, It’s His Decision”

摘要

Handling fertility consultations with adolescent boys (aged 13 to 17 years) who have recently received a cancer diagnosis poses a logistical challenge. In this hypothetical case based on cumulative patient encounters, a 15-year-old boy who recently received a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma sat silently in his hospital bed as we asked about his thoughts on having a child in the future and discussed the option of sperm banking. We had spoken to his parents separately, and they acknowledged the importance of addressing this topic and pursuing fertility preservation “just in case.” At the end of the conversation, the patient said, “I don’t want to do it.” His parents asked if he wanted to think more about it, and he fiercely shook his head no. They looked at us, shrugged, and stated, “Sorry, he’s just angry about everything right now.… Ultimately, it’s his decision.”.