Breast Cancer Surviving Ladies can have Child after ASCO treatment program,2024
Breast Cancer and Fertility
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumour. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal. Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and the milk-producing lobules of the breast
Breast cancer is that affects not only physical health but also emotional wellness. For young women facing breast cancer, the prospect of fertility preservation becomes a critical situation. The treatments used to combat cancer—such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, that significantly impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term
Over the course of the study, 73% of women attempting to conceive achieved a pregnancy and 65% had a live birth, researchers found. Those who opted for fertility preservation by egg freezing before cancer treatment tended to have a higher live birth rate, while older participants have lower pregnancy and live birth rates.
- Shared Concerns: People with cancer and their partners often share concerns about fertility. These concerns can be emotional and impactful, especially when facing a life-threatening illness like cancer.
- Hope for Children: Many individuals diagnosed with cancer still desire to have children after treatment. Whether it’s starting a family or expanding an existing one, the desire for parenthood remains significant.
- Treatment Effects: Certain cancer treatments can directly impact fertility. For example:
- Surgery: Some cancer surgeries may involve removing organs necessary for pregnancy.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation: These treatments can alter hormone levels or damage eggs in females, potentially leading to temporary or permanent infertility.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
ASCO is a prominent professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer care, research, and education. Here are the key aspects of ASCO.
ASCO plays a pivotal role in shaping cancer treatment, disseminating knowledge, and advocating for improved patient outcomes. Its commitment to excellence continues to impact the lives of cancer patients and healthcare professionals worldwide
Mission and Goals:
- Mission: ASCO’s mission is to conquer cancer through research, education, and collaboration.
- Goals:
- Research: ASCO promotes cutting-edge cancer research, fostering breakthroughs in understanding cancer biology, treatment, and prevention.
- Education: ASCO provides educational resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and the public. This includes conferences, webinars, publications, and guidelines.
- Advocacy: ASCO advocates for policies that improve cancer care, access to treatments, and patient outcomes.
- Quality Care: ASCO emphasizes high-quality, evidence-based care for cancer patients worldwide.
The ASCO Annual Meeting is a highly anticipated event in the field of oncology. Let’s explore its significance and the topics covered during this prestigious gathering:
- Global Gathering: The ASCO Annual Meeting brings together oncologists, researchers, clinicians, industry experts, and patient advocates from around the world. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and scientific advancements.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Attendees gain insights into the latest research findings, clinical trials, and breakthroughs. This information directly impacts patient care and treatment strategies.
- Networking: The meeting fosters connections among professionals, allowing them to share experiences, discuss challenges, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
- Educational Opportunities: ASCO offers educational sessions, workshops, and symposia, enhancing attendees’ expertise and keeping them updated on emerging trends.
Process of Fertility during Breast Cancer Treatment
When it comes to preserving fertility during breast cancer treatment, there are several practical steps that patients can consider. These steps are crucial for individuals who wish to have children in the future:
- Early Discussions:
- Initiate the Conversation: Healthcare providers should discuss the possibility of infertility with patients who are treated during their reproductive years. This conversation should happen as early as possible.
- Awareness: Patients need to be aware of potential threats to fertility due to cancer treatments. Even though the initial focus is on the cancer diagnosis, addressing fertility concerns early allows for a wider range of options.
- Standard Practices:
- Cryopreservation: Sperm, oocyte (egg), and embryo cryopreservation are considered standard practices. These methods involve freezing and storing reproductive material for future use.
- Documentation: The discussion about fertility preservation should be documented to ensure clarity and informed decision-making.
- Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Agonists (GnRHa):
- Controversial Evidence: The use of GnRHa and other ovarian suppression methods for fertility preservation remains controversial.
- Consideration: In cases where proven fertility preservation methods are not feasible, GnRHa may be offered to young women with breast cancer. It aims to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced infertility.
- Safety and Survival:
- Reassuring Evidence: A large study found that fertility preservation methods (such as freezing embryos, eggs, or ovarian tissue) are safe for young women with breast cancer. Survival rates were not negatively impacted by these procedures.
- Clinical Meaning: Although only a small percentage of women used their banked reproductive material, the impact is clinically meaningful given the high number of breast cancer diagnoses each year.
- Balancing Treatment and Preservation:
- Complexity: Preserving fertility involves delaying certain parts of cancer treatment. Collecting eggs and creating embryos for storage requires time.
- Hormonal Considerations: Methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF) involve hormone use, which may raise estrogen levels. Providers need to balance this with breast cancer treatment plans.
- Individualized Approach:
- Consult Specialists: Referring patients to reproductive specialists ensures personalized guidance.
- Case-by-Case Decisions: Each patient’s situation is unique. Decisions about fertility preservation should be made based on individual factors.
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