A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating news, especially for people younger, in childbearing age. However, considering the advances made in the science of cancer diagnosis and treatment, many women who are otherwise healthy, now have a good chance of successfully beating cancer. A major side effect of treating breast cancer in women of childbearing age may be the loss of fertility. In such a scenario, fertility preservation is an option to consider prior to treatment.
Certain forms of cancer procedures may lead to the loss of fertility, either temporarily or permanently. How cancer treatment affects fertility depends upon the age of the patient, the stage of cancer, and the cancer treatment plan prescribed. All three cancer procedure strategies – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy – have the potential to impact fertility.
Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients: What are the Options?
The diagnosis of breast cancer should bring together fertility and cancer specialists to chart a strategy designed to treat cancer while taking steps to preserve fertility.
If you want to take steps to preserve your fertility, it’s important to understand the various fertility-preserving options available depending upon your particular cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. Two of the most common fertility preservation options are egg and embryo freezing.
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing refers to the process of removing mature eggs from the ovaries and freezing them for future use. Once enough mature eggs are produced, they are retrieved and frozen for future use. When ready to achieve pregnancy, the eggs undergo thawing and are mixed with sperm for fertilization. The fertilized eggs form embryos which are then implanted into the womb.
Embryo Freezing
In embryo cryopreservation, instead of freezing the retrieved eggs for future use, they are mixed with a prepared sperm sample and fertilized creating embryos, which are then frozen for future use.
How RISE can help you conceive after beating breast cancer
The American Society of Clinical Oncology, recommends explaining the risk of infertility due to cancer treatment and to review the available options for consideration. This typically involves communicating with fertility experts.
We, at RISE Fertility, understand the crucial importance of time and we work closely with your cancer care team to design the best possible fertility preservation strategy specifically customized for your situation.
After you have successfully beaten breast cancer, we guide you on the best possible course of action to leverage your preserved fertility to achieve pregnancy. By using deep insights acquired through years of catering to thousands of unique cases with high success rates, skilled and expert medical staff working on state-of-the-art equipment, and following the latest advances in reproductive sciences, we use assisted reproductive technology and natural means to ensure that your fertility journey ends in baby steps.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to understand your fertility preservation options or other fertility treatment, schedule a fertility consult with a RISE Fertility physician today.
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