As October winds down and marks an end to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t forget to keep the awareness about one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. While breast cancer primarily affects the breasts, it can also have far-reaching implications for a woman’s reproductive health. At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, we recognize the importance of addressing the effects of breast cancer on fertility, ensuring that women understand the options available for fertility preservation.
“Many women who face a breast cancer diagnosis are not just thinking about surviving; they’re also concerned about their future ability to have children. Our role is to guide them through this difficult time with compassion and knowledge, helping them understand their reproductive options,” says Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, founder and medical director at the Fertility Institute of San Diego.
Understanding the Link Between Breast Cancer and Fertility
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cells of the breast. The disease, while often manageable with early detection, can have a direct impact on a woman’s reproductive system, particularly when treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy. These treatments can damage ovaries and lead to early menopause or infertility.
How Breast Cancer Affects Fertility
Chemotherapy drugs, especially alkylating agents, are known to affect the ovaries, sometimes causing ovarian insufficiency or premature menopause. Hormone therapies, often used in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, can also delay or reduce a woman’s fertility.
Before any cancer treatment begins, it’s crucial that women understand the possible impact on their fertility and discuss preservation options like egg freezing,” adds Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
Why Breast Cancer Treatment Impacts Fertility
Breast cancer treatments aim to eradicate cancer cells, but in doing so, they can also damage healthy reproductive cells. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include eggs in the ovaries. Similarly, radiation to the pelvic area can affect fertility, and hormone therapies that suppress estrogen can lead to temporary or permanent infertility.
Who is Most at Risk?
While any woman undergoing breast cancer treatment is at risk of fertility issues, those diagnosed at a younger age (under 40) are particularly vulnerable. Younger women often still have a desire to conceive, making fertility preservation a critical conversation early in the treatment process.
Fertility Preservation Options for Women with Breast Cancer
Egg Freezing
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is one of the most effective ways to preserve fertility. This process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, and freezing them for future use.
“In our clinic, we offer individualized care to help women preserve their fertility through egg freezing before starting cancer treatment. This gives them the chance to build a family once they are cancer-free,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
IVF After Cancer Treatment
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is another option for women who have survived breast cancer and are ready to start a family. However, it’s essential to note that hormone stimulation for IVF can pose risks for women with a history of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. In such cases, alternative protocols are available to reduce these risks.
Risk Factors and Complications
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations), family history, prolonged hormone replacement therapy, and late menopause. Women undergoing cancer treatments are also at a higher risk of fertility complications, which can include early menopause and reduced ovarian reserve.
Complications
Infertility after cancer treatment is one of the most significant complications women face. Treatments like chemotherapy can also affect overall ovarian function, potentially leading to irregular menstrual cycles or the inability to conceive naturally.
“Understanding these risks and working with a specialist to preserve fertility can give women hope and control over their reproductive future,” explains Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
Prevention and Screening
Breast Cancer Screening
Regular breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, can detect cancer early and allow for fertility preservation discussions before treatment. Women in their reproductive years should ensure they undergo regular checkups and consider genetic testing if they have a family history of breast cancer.
Fertility Preservation as a Preventive Measure
For women at high risk of developing breast cancer, fertility preservation can be a preventive measure, especially if they are considering preventive surgeries such as mastectomy. By freezing eggs before surgery or treatment, women can retain the option to conceive later.
Types of Treatment Available for Fertility Preservation
Hormone Therapy and Fertility
For women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer, fertility options may be limited. However, working with a reproductive endocrinologist can help create a tailored plan to minimize risks. Oncofertility, a subspecialty that merges oncology and reproductive medicine, focuses on providing such individualized care.
FAQ
Ideally, fertility preservation should be discussed with your oncologist and reproductive specialist before starting any cancer treatment.
Yes, hormone therapy, especially for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, can delay or reduce fertility. It’s important to explore fertility preservation options before beginning this treatment.
Many women successfully conceive after breast cancer treatment, but it depends on the type of treatment received and the individual’s reproductive health post-treatment.
Eggs can be frozen indefinitely, giving women the flexibility to pursue family building whenever they are ready after cancer treatment.
Breast cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when it affects your ability to conceive. But with advancements in fertility preservation, women now have more options than ever.
If you’re facing a breast cancer diagnosis or want to explore fertility preservation, Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh and her team at the Fertility Institute of San Diego are here to guide you.
“If you’re ready to start your fertility journey, whether before or after cancer treatment, please book a complimentary virtual consultation with me to go over fertility options or any other reproductive healthcare questions,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh advises.
Click here to schedule your consultation today.