A cancer diagnosis no longer means you can’t have children. Here are your options

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By Chetana Belagere

Mar 29, 2024

Doctors note a gradual increase in cases where cancer or its treatments — surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation — jeopardise a woman’s ability to conceive.

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“Discussion about fertility preservation is crucial for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers who wish to have children in the future,” said Dr Kirankumar Sajjanshetty.

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Dr V Annapurna reminds us that a young woman, planning to conceive, being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer is not uncommon today.

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The most common and effective fertility preservation method is cryopreservation, which can be done with eggs or embryos.

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Dr Kirankumar explains that Ovarian Tissue Freezing involves surgically removing strips of ovarian tissue and freezing them before cancer treatment.

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Ovarian Transposition is used particularly in certain cancers where pelvic radiation is indicated, as this technique can preserve ovarian function by surgically intervention.

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GnRH agonists is used in cases where women who desire for potential preservation of ovarian function like those who have completed childbearing explains Dr Kirankumar.

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Dr Annapurna also suggests that early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach involving the oncologists and reproductive specialists are vital to optimise outcome.

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