Oncology Patients
Cancer can affect reproductive health depending on the type, location, and extent of treatment. Tumours in reproductive organs like the ovaries, testes, uterus, or prostate can interfere directly with fertility. For men, cancer may lead to reduced sperm production or quality, while for women, it can impact egg production and ovulation.
However, it is often the treatments—chemotherapy and radiation—that pose a more severe threat to fertility. These therapies, particularly when targeting areas near reproductive organs, can damage sperm, eggs, and reproductive tissues, potentially leading to long-term fertility issues.
Higher survivorship rates make fertility preservation a timely conversation
Cancer affects people of all ages, including young adults and adolescents, not necessarily in the older person. The survival rates for patients[1], between 15 and 44, range from 60 to 82%, depending on factors like the tumor site and treatment, which have improved steadily over the years due to deeper and better research in oncological care. It makes fertility preservation a timely consideration, enabling patients to safeguard their ability to start a family post-recovery.
Psychological Distress of Infertility
Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, emotional stress can deeply affect intimate relationships and libido. The stress is often overwhelming, making it difficult for patients to focus on future fertility concerns.
Even after cancer treatment, emotional distress can persist. Infertility-related stress is a recognized long-term effect of cancer[2] for both men and women, often affecting their quality of life, their identity in terms of masculinity or femininity, and relationship satisfaction[3].
We understand the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, and we also prioritize addressing the patient's future fertility while managing their treatment.
[1] Bewtra C, Acharya N. Preservation of Fertility in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Oct 29;15(10):e47910. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47910. PMID: 38034134; PMCID: PMC10684029. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10684029/
[2] Ussher JM, Perz J. Infertility-related distress following cancer for women and men: A mixed method study. Psychooncology. 2019;28:607-614. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.4990
[3] Hawkey AJ, Ussher JM, Perz J, et al. The impact of cancer-related fertility concerns on current and future couple relationships: People with cancer and partner perspectives. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2021;30:e13348. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.4990