October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of this disease that affects millions of women worldwide. For a fertility clinic, this month also presents a unique opportunity to educate and support women facing challenges related to both fertility and breast cancer.
Often, the connection between fertility treatments and breast cancer is not fully understood. In this blog, we will explore how fertility preservation can be an important option for women battling breast cancer, the effects of cancer treatments on fertility, and the importance of self-examination and early diagnosis in protecting both general and reproductive health.
Impact of breast cancer on fertility
Breast cancer, especially in young women, can have a significant impact on fertility. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some hormonal therapies can damage the ovaries, reducing ovarian reserve and decreasing the chances of conceiving naturally after treatment.
A study by Lambertini et al. (2020) reveals that primary ovarian insufficiency, a common consequence of these treatments, can affect a woman's ability to have children later in life. However, with the increasing integration of assisted reproductive technologies, women diagnosed with breast cancer can preserve their fertility before starting treatment.
Fertility Preservation Before Treatment
For young women who wish to preserve their fertility, several options can be considered before starting cancer treatment. Oocyte and embryo vitrification have proven to be highly effective in these cases. According to a study by Oktay et al. (2018), oocyte cryopreservation offers an increasing success rate for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Another option is the use of medications that protect the ovaries during chemotherapy treatment, which can reduce the damage caused by chemotherapy agents. Although these options do not guarantee future fertility, they offer hope to women who wish to have children in the future.
Importance of Self-Examination and Early Diagnosis
In a fertility clinic, it is essential to highlight the importance of monthly self-examination and regular check-ups, not only for the early detection of breast cancer but also for overall reproductive health. According to the American Cancer Society (2021), breast self-examination can be a powerful tool for early detection, especially in young women who may not be eligible for regular mammograms.
Education on how to perform a proper breast self-examination is vital. At Ventris, our fertility clinic, we encourage all women to be alert to any changes in their breasts and to seek medical attention if they detect anything unusual.
The Emotional Connection Between Fertility and the Fight Against Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis can trigger an avalanche of emotions, and for those considering motherhood, the fear of losing the ability to have children can be overwhelming. At Ventris, we understand the emotional impact this can have. Our goal is to provide medical support and accompany women on their emotional journey during this difficult stage.
Our team is here to provide hope, support, and personalized solutions.
At Ventris, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to call on all women to take care of their overall and reproductive health. Prevention and early diagnosis are key to reducing the impact of breast cancer on fertility. At the same time, fertility preservation offers real hope for those facing treatments that may affect their ability to conceive.
The health of every woman is a priority, at our clinic, we are committed to providing the necessary support so that each of them can make informed decisions about their reproductive future.
References:
-Lambertini, M., Ceppi, M., Poggio, F., Peccatori, F. A., Azim Jr, H. A., & Loi, S. (2020). Ovarian suppression in premenopausal breast cancer: Where do we stand? Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 180(3), 457–465. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05607-9
-Oktay, K., Harvey, B. E., Partridge, A. H., Quinn, G. P., Reinecke, J., Taylor, H. S., ... & Loren, A. W. (2018). Fertility preservation in patients with cancer: ASCO clinical practice guideline update. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(19), 1994-2001. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2018.78.1914
-American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast cancer facts & figures 2021-2022. American Cancer Society, Inc. https://www.cancer.org
Comments