The unique reproductive concerns of young women with breast cancer

Kathryn J. Ruddy, Ann H. Partridge

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many young women with breast cancer are interested in having a biologic child in the future. However, adjuvant chemotherapy can cause ovarian toxicity and fertility naturally declines due to ovarian aging that occurs during the recommended five years of treatment with adjuvant hormonal therapy. Decisions about fertility after breast cancer are further complicated by concerns about the safety of fertility preservation and subsequent pregnancy after breast cancer, despite limited available data for safety. At the present time, the most reliable fertility preservation method for breast cancer patients is embryo cryopreservation prior to treatment, although alternative options exist. In an effort to allow women to pursue fertility preservation if warranted and avoid excessive treatment delay, it is important to consider fertility concerns early in the care of young women with breast cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationReproductive Health and Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults
EditorsGwendolyn Quinn, Susan Vadaparampil
Pages77-87
Number of pages11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume732
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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