Fortunately, progress made in cancer treatments has improved survival rates among patients.
Today, the early detection of cancer and multiple treatments combined with surgical interventions, chemotherapy and radiation have improved quality of life for cancer patients. Being able to see a future without cancer makes patients and their parents wonder: “Will I be able to have a family after the cancer treatments?”
All women are born with a predetermined number of eggs. Over time, there is a natural reduction in the number of remaining eggs, until a woman enters menopause. It is a known fact that cancer treatment can reduce rapidly and drastically the quantity of a woman’s eggs and lead 15-89% of patients to early menopause after chemotherapy.
Before Oncological Treatment
Women who are administered higher doses and specific types of chemotherapy, those who are older (especially over 35) at the time of treatment, and those suffering from Hodgkin’s disease are at greater risk for early menopause.
Because it is difficult to predict if a woman will be fertile subsequent to cancer treatment, it is important for her to explore the options for preserving her fertility before undergoing treatment.
Below are the available alternatives before commencement of cancer treatment:
For women:
For men:
For girls:
For boys:
After Oncological Treatment
The first step is to test fertility to determine which treatment is required and which options are available.
Many women will continue to menstruate after cancer treatment. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are fertile. The most reliable method to assess fertility following cancer treatment is to measure hormone levels in the blood (FSH, oestradiol, progesterone, and Anti-Mullerian Hormone). An ovarian ultrasound may also prove useful.
What are the options?
