CHPPR Investigators Publish New Study on Childbirth after Cancer

A new study published by CHPPR Investigator Caitlin C. Murphy, PhD, MPH in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that preterm birth is more prevalent among liveborn offspring of male adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a history of cancer.

"Our study represents one of the first population-based assessments of childbirth and adverse perinatal outcomes among male AYAs in the U.S. and underscores the importance of continued efforts to provide comprehensive reproductive health counseling for AYAs," the authors write.

Murphy and colleagues used the Texas Cancer Registry to examine childbirth and perinatal outcomes among male AYAs diagnosed with cancer over a 20-year period. Compared with age- and race/ethnicity-matched men without cancer, the liveborn offspring of male AYAs with cancer had higher prevalence of preterm birth and low birth weight. There was no difference in the prevalence of birth defects in offspring of the two groups.

“Cancer treatment can negatively affect AYAs’ fertility and reproductive health,” said Murphy. “Many AYAs but lack information about the chances of conceiving after diagnosis, or the impact of treatment on their future children. Our study addresses this gap by providing new evidence on childbirth among more than 40,000 male AYAs.”

“Childbirth after cancer among 42,896 male adolescents and young adults: a population-based study” is the latest publication from the researchers at The Adolescent and Young Adult Scholarship, Training, and Research (AYA STAR) Lab at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. For more information on the AYA STAR Lab and their other studies related to AYA cancer survivors and childbirth, visit their website.