For parents of children who have battled serious illnesses, the worries rarely end with the treatment. Concerns often extend far beyond recovery — to questions about their child’s future, marriage, and especially, fertility.

One such common concern is this:
Can girls who survive childhood leukemia conceive and have children in the future?

It’s a deeply important and sensitive question. Cancer, especially childhood leukemia, is a complex and demanding condition. The treatment — though life-saving — can cause various physiological changes, some of which may impact the reproductive system. In this blog, Dr. Reghu K S, Pediatric Oncologist at Tata Medical Institute, Kolkata, explores this issue through the lens of science, experience, and hope.

Cancer Treatment and Fertility: What’s the Link?

Both the disease and its treatment can potentially affect fertility. Cancer treatments like high-dose chemotherapy, radiation near the pelvis, and bone marrow transplants can sometimes damage the ovaries or uterus in girls — or reduce sperm count in boys. These treatments, particularly when given at a young age, may carry a risk of future infertility.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this does not mean infertility is inevitable.

In fact, most girls who have undergone treatment for leukemia in childhood are still able to conceive later in life.The impact on fertility varies significantly based on:

• The type of cancer
• The location and intensity of radiation
• The specific chemotherapy drugs used
• The age at which treatment was given

Children who are treated at a very young age may have a better chance of recovering fertility as they grow, especially if less invasive treatment methods were used.

What About Boys?

Just like in girls, the majority of boys who survive childhood leukemia retain their reproductive health. Some chemotherapy drugs can affect sperm production, but in most cases, the effects are temporary or minimal.

Hope Beyond Survival

It’s important to remember that surviving leukemia is already a major victory. With modern treatment protocols, doctors aim to strike a balance between effective cancer cure and long-term quality of life — including preserving fertility whenever possible.

Advances in fertility preservation (such as egg or ovarian tissue freezing for girls, and sperm banking for boys) are also becoming more accessible, especially for adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.

A Message for Parents and Survivors

If your child is undergoing or has completed treatment for leukemia, speak openly with your doctor about fertility concerns. Understanding the risks and possibilities helps in planning the future with confidence — and without fear.

Many survivors of childhood leukemia have gone on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives — including becoming parents themselves.

Summary:

• Leukemia and its treatment can affect fertility, but not always.
• Most girls and boys treated for leukemia retain their ability to have children.
• The degree of impact depends on the type, intensity, and location of treatment.
• Early diagnosis, modern treatment approaches, and expert guidance greatly improve the chances of a normal reproductive future.