“I am sorry, but you have cancer.” No woman wants to hear these words, but every day, a young woman receives a cancer diagnosis. I imagine the thoughts that might flash through their minds, “Will I survive? If I do survive, will I be able to have children?” Unlike men, who often resume sperm production within months after cancer treatment ends, a woman’s eggs are often permanently damaged after cancer treatment. While cancer treatment leaves many women infertile, some do go on to have children after treatment ends. If your cancer treatment might leave you infertile, ask your doctor about fertility preservation. This process may offer you a chance to have biological children after cancer treatment ends.
Fertility preservation improves quality of life
Oncologists (cancer doctors) are encouraged to tell their patients how cancer treatment will affect their fertility and refer them to fertility specialists. Doctors that do this offer their patients a better quality of life after treatment. A survey of 1000 women emphasizes how crucial this conversation can be. Female cancer survivors between the ages of 18 to 40 were asked about their quality of life after cancer. Here are some of the findings from that study:
- Five percent of the women saw a fertility specialist after cancer diagnosis and four percent of the women pursued fertility preservation.
- The women who saw a fertility specialist reported less feelings of regret than those counseled by an oncologist alone.
- The women that pursued fertility preservation felt the least regret of all after treatment.
Unfortunately, all women will not qualify for fertility preservation after cancer diagnosis. Two precious resources are required to make fertility preservation possible: time and money.
Time: Ask your doctor if it is possible to delay treatment while you investigate your fertility preservation options. If your cancer is in the early stages, you may be able to postpone treatment for several weeks. If your cancer is advanced, this may not be possible. Your treatment may need to begin immediately. Embryo freezing, the most common and effective fertility preservation option, is both expensive and time-consuming. If you need to start treatment right away, or do not have the funds available, embryo freezing may be out of the question. In this case, ask your fertility doctor about alternatives.
Money: If your cancer is in the early stages and you have the time, you may wonder how you will afford fertility preservation. Embryo freezing can cost many thousands of dollars, and is not often covered by insurance. Here are some options to consider:
- Ask others for help.
- Apply for grants or check out infertility loans.
- Get information about the Attain IVF program.
Fertile Hope is another organization that could help you. Fertile Hope offers resources about financial assistance for cancer patients interested in fertility preservation.
If you have the time and money to pursue fertility preservation, consider doing so. Your quality of life may be better after treatment, and two dreams may come true. You will not only achieve your dream of being a cancer survivor, you will achieve your dream of becoming a mom.
Attain Fertility recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection and prompt treatment saves lives.
