A naukri.com initiative
Bioengineer
7d
41
Image Credit: Bioengineer
UTHealth Houston Study Reveals Link Between Young Fathers with Cancer and Slightly Elevated Risks of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight, Yet No Increase in Birth Defects
- Caitlin Murphy, PhD, MPH, of UTHealth Houston, led a groundbreaking study revealing that young fathers with cancer have slightly elevated risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in their offspring
- The study examined records of 42,896 males aged 15-39 who were diagnosed with cancer from 1995-2015
- Men who had undergone treatment for thyroid cancer had the highest probability of fathering live births, while those with gastrointestinal cancers faced the lowest odds
- The study revealed no significant increase in the prevalence of birth defects among children fathered by men with cancer
- The statistical data elucidates specific reproductive risks and provides reassurance regarding congenital anomalies, a common concern among cancer patients
- According to Dr. Murphy, reproductive counseling should occur not only during the moment of diagnosis but also consistently throughout the treatment journey
- Counselors should normalize ongoing discussions about reproductive health in cancer care, recognizing that patients often face cognitive overload when initially diagnosed
- A holistic approach that prioritizes long-term quality of life considerations concerning reproductive capabilities is essential for enhancing the outcomes and experiences of young men facing cancer
- Funding for this pivotal research was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Cancer Institute through the Cancer Control Research Training Program
- Through ongoing research and advocacy efforts, scientific and medical communities can significantly improve the outcomes and experiences of young men facing cancer, fostering a new narrative where reproductive health becomes an integral part of cancer care
Read Full Article
2 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app