Cancers in children account for about 1 percent of all oncology cases in Poland. Each year, about 1100-1200 new cases are diagnosed among the youngest patients. The most common cancers in this group are leukemias, brain tumors, lymphomas and sarcomas. 

In recent decades there have been significant advances in the treatment of pediatric cancers. Today, more than 80% of young patients have a chance for a full recovery. This is the result of cooperation between cancer centers, the use of advanced diagnostic methods and a comprehensive therapeutic approach, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. 

Cancer treatment, especially with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can negatively affect children’s fertility in the future. In response to these challenges, last year Poland has started reimbursing the procedures of collecting and freezing ova and sperm prior to cancer therapy. In addition, a law is being drafted to allow the collection, storage and transplantation of ovarian and nuclear tissue, even in patients under the age of 18. Such measures are aimed at ensuring that young patients can have offspring in the future. 

Around the world, too, initiatives are being taken to protect the fertility of children undergoing cancer treatment. An example is the case of 11-month-old Hazel from Australia, in whom ovarian tissue was harvested and frozen before radiation therapy began in order to preserve her fertility. Thanks to such measures, there is a chance of natural conception in the future, despite aggressive treatment. 

Sources: rynekzdrowia.pl, mp.pl