Women with cancer can also become mothers
According to experts, if the start of cancer treatment can be postponed for two weeks, egg or embryo freezing procedures can be performed.
Women diagnosed with cancer can still experience pregnancy and motherhood. Although cancer and motherhood may seem unrelated, experts today reassure us that the dream of motherhood is not lost for oncology patients of reproductive age.
“Unfortunately, many young women who become ill mistakenly believe that once diagnosed, they cannot preserve their fertility. In the past, fertility was considered a collateral loss of cancer treatments — today, it is not,” said obstetrician–gynecologist Dr. Sotirios Trompoukis, speaking at the Panhellenic Forum of Women in Oncology, themed: “Women and Cancer: Particularities and Differences,” held on September 20–22, 2018, at the B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music.
Unfortunately, the lack of collaboration among specialized doctors regarding the overall approach to cancer may have serious consequences: a harsh reality for women with cancer, especially those of reproductive age, is that they are often not informed of the possibilities and options available. Instead, they frequently hear from their doctors: “You must start chemotherapy immediately” or “First get well, then we’ll see!”
The journey to motherhood after cancer
Female patients should know that they do not need to worry about their reproductive health, as there are many options available.
“Gynecologists inform our patients before starting any chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We evaluate key factors such as age, the type of malignancy, the treatment plan, and drug dosages,” explained Dr. Trompoukis. He clarified that if cancer treatment can be delayed for two weeks (which is possible in most cases), the two most common procedures for preserving fertility can be performed: egg freezing or embryo freezing.
In the past, specialists had to wait four to five weeks to complete a cycle of ovarian stimulation and egg collection (egg retrieval). Today, however, the same result can be achieved within just two weeks, regardless of where a woman is in her menstrual cycle.
In addition, in recent years, the egg-freezing process has improved significantly. Thanks to a new technique called vitrification, results are much better in terms of egg survival, fertilization, and the potential achievement of a future pregnancy.
The presence of a partner is the factor that determines which of the two procedures is the best choice. According to Dr. Trompoukis, “if the patient is not in a stable relationship, egg freezing is recommended. For a woman with a stable partner, embryo freezing is preferred.”
If, however, cancer treatment cannot be delayed, another option is available: laparoscopic removal and freezing of ovarian tissue. Once the patient has recovered from treatment, the removed tissue can be re-implanted to restore ovarian function and egg production.
“As survival rates after cancer treatment continue to increase, it is essential to focus on quality-of-life issues for survivors, such as fertility. Therefore, proper patient information and increased awareness among doctors about fertility preservation are crucial to supporting these women in their journey toward motherhood,” concluded Dr. Trompoukis.
Sotirios Trompoukis
Obstetrician – Gynecologist
www.sotiristrompoukis.gr
(Source: Proto Thema)