Fertility urge for cancer patients

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A separate survey for the charity Cancerbackup highlighted the "postcode lottery" in accessing procedures.

Official guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) in 2004 said cancer patients should be given universal access to sperm, egg and embryo storage.

The report written by experts from the Royal Colleges of Physicians, Radiologists, and Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said there was currently no national policy on funding techniques aimed at preserving fertility in cancer patients. It recommended the NHS funds these services, including setting up research-based centres for egg and ovarian tissue storage.

The Cancerbackup survey of 84 out of 152 primary care trusts (PCTs) revealed that access to fertility services is patchy across England.

The east of England was found to have the best provision, while PCTs in the south west failed to implement many of the Nice recommendations.

Almost a fifth (19%) of the PCTs failed to fund sperm storage for cancer patients, including 40% of those in the south west and 38% of those in London. In contrast, at least 80% of PCTs in the South East, North West and East of England did provide the service.

However, around a third of men questioned by Cancerbackup said they had never been offered sperm storage.

The study - The effects of cancer treatment on reproductive functions; guidance on management - also called for patients to be fully informed of the risks of treatment at the time of diagnosis.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "We recognise how important it is for cancer patients to be assured that all possible steps will be taken to preserve their ability to have children."