Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience for any woman.

Along with the physical and emotional challenges that come with the disease, many women also face the fear of losing their fertility and the ability to have children in the future. However, there is hope for mothers with breast cancer to preserve their fertility and still have healthy children.

Understanding Breast Cancer and Fertility

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase.

The treatment for breast cancer, which often includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, can have adverse effects on a woman’s fertility.

Preserving Fertility before Treatment

For women who desire to have children in the future, there are options available to preserve their fertility before starting breast cancer treatment:.

1. Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, involves harvesting a woman’s eggs and freezing them for later use.

Before egg freezing, a woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen for future use.

2. Embryo Freezing

If a woman is in a committed relationship or using donor sperm, she can opt for embryo freezing. This process involves fertilizing harvested eggs with sperm in the laboratory to form embryos, which are then frozen for future implantation.

3. Ovarian Tissue Freezing

In cases where immediate cancer treatment is necessary and there is no time for egg or embryo freezing, ovarian tissue freezing can be an option.

This procedure involves surgically removing and freezing a piece of the woman’s ovarian tissue, which can later be transplanted back into her body.

4. GnRH Analogues

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues can be used to suppress ovarian function during chemotherapy. By putting the ovaries in a temporary dormant state, the drugs can help protect the eggs from chemotherapy-induced damage.

Treatment Options during and after Breast Cancer

Even if a woman did not have the opportunity to preserve her fertility before breast cancer treatment, there are still options available to enhance the chances of having healthy children:.

1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a widely-used fertility treatment that can help women with breast cancer conceive. It involves fertilizing harvested eggs with sperm outside the body and transferring resulting embryos to the uterus.

This allows for better control over the timing of conception and offers the opportunity to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities.

2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

PGT can be performed alongside IVF to screen embryos for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. This can help reduce the risk of passing on inherited diseases and increase the chances of having healthy children.

Emotional Support and Counseling

Dealing with breast cancer and the impact on fertility can be emotionally overwhelming for women.

Seeking support from professional counselors, joining support groups, or connecting with other women who have faced a similar situation can provide much-needed emotional support and guidance throughout the journey.

Conclusion

Breast cancer may present challenges to a woman’s fertility, but there is hope.

Through various fertility preservation techniques and advanced reproductive technologies, women with breast cancer can still fulfill their dreams of becoming mothers while maintaining their health. It is important for women diagnosed with breast cancer to discuss their fertility preservation options with their healthcare team and fertility specialists to make informed decisions.