Offspring of childhood cancer survivors.

1955 and 1979 (31%) were still alive in 1984.’ At present, more than 50% of children with cancer are alive five years after initial diagnosis and treatment.’ Unfortunately, these lifesaving treatments have side effects. The late effects of treatment are diverse, and include anatomic and physiologic alterations, psychosocial disturbances, and carcinogenesis. In addition, genetic effects raise issues regarding fertility, and the prospect of having healthy children when fertility is retained.~ This presentation focuses on the offspring of cancer survivors, addressing reasons for concern, and presenting some of the recent data.