Preserving fertility in women facing cancer

via survivingglobalresessioncom

"In 2012, 790,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in women in the United States alone, with more than 10% of cases diagnosed in women of reproductive age (younger than 45).With advances in cancer treatment and improved survival rates, issues such as loss of fertility are coming to the forefront. 

Retrospective studies indicate that 30% to 40% of reproductive-age survivors experience a feeling of loss of control over their reproductive future, are discontent with their current number of children, and are unable to talk openly about their fertility.

In a survey of more than 600 young women with early-stage breast cancer, 29% reported that concern about infertility influenced their treatment decisions.3 Hence, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology have put forth official guidelines recommending that patients be educated about the effect of cancer treatment on fertility and fertility preservation options.

Even so, loss of fertility remains an under-represented topic. A retrospective survey of 1041 California women diagnosed with cancer and aged 18 to 40 found that only 60% were counseled by their oncologists about the risk of infertility, and only 5% were referred to reproductive endocrinologists.6 Educated women are more likely to be counseled, and female oncologists with a favorable opinion of fertility preservation are most likely to refer patients..."

Learn More here:
http://contemporaryobgyn.modernmedicine.com/contemporary-obgyn/content/tags/cancer/preserving-fertility-women-facing-cancer