The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Starting cancer treatment? You should discuss fertility first

  • Written by Violet Kieu, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne
Starting cancer treatment? You should discuss fertility first

Not all Australians with cancer are getting the fertility care they need.

In 2022, it is predicted more than 8,200 Australians under 40 – in their reproductive years – will be diagnosed with cancer[1]. This is more than double the rate in the 1980s.

The good news is more men, women and children than ever are surviving cancer. This is due to earlier diagnosis and more successful cancer treatments. Now over 85%[2] of patients under 40 will still be alive five years after their cancer diagnosis.

However, many of them might not be aware of the potential decrease in fertility after cancer treatments, and their options for protecting their future ability to have children. Some estimates suggest only half[3] of people with cancer have a documented fertility preservation discussion.

How cancer treatment can affect fertility

Both cancer and its treatments can reduce fertility for all genders.

Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery may permanently reduce[4] the number of egg and sperm cells, which may lead to difficulty conceiving in the future.

The store of eggs is laid down before birth, and to date there is no good evidence eggs can be replenished. Chemotherapy – chemical drug treatments that attack cancer cells – may also harm the delicate egg and sperm cells and reduce their numbers.

Likewise, radiotherapy – directed radiation energy at cancer cells – may scatter and cause scarring of the ovaries and testicular tissue.

Sometimes, with high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy, all the eggs, sperm cells and supporting tissues may be destroyed. Direct surgery to reproductive organs may lead to reduced fertility.

Often, it is not known what the full effect of cancer treatment will be on fertility, and the effect may be different for each individual.

Read more: Problems conceiving are not just about women. Male infertility is behind 1 in 3 IVF cycles[5]

What is oncofertility, and how can it help?

Oncofertility[6] is a relatively recently established medical field that provides options for fertility preservation. Addressing quality of life from a biological, psychological and social perspective acknowledges the potential distress that reduced fertility might cause cancer survivors.

Advances in assisted reproductive technology, such as vitrification[7] (fast freezing), means we can preserve eggs, embryos, ovarian tissue, sperm and testicular tissue for future use. This is known as medical fertility preservation.

Fertility preservation may be someone’s best chance for biological children in the future. Oncofertility considers an individual’s future goals for family and parenthood, alongside cancer treatments.

Read more: 5 things not to say to someone struggling with infertility[8]

4 new things we know about oncofertility

This year, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia[9] (COSA) updated its guidelines for fertility preservation for people with cancer.

It is based on advice from Australian experts including medical specialists, scientific researchers, psychologists, health managers and nurses, public consultation and feedback.

The COSA guidelines discuss fertility treatment options, referral pathways and psychological support. They also cover contraception during cancer treatment (to avoid disruption to the treatment regimen), interrupting hormone treatment to conceive, assisted reproduction, and the risk of cancer recurrence. This guideline aims to support conception and pregnancy in cancer survivors.

In our paper published today in the Medical Journal of Australia[10] we update medical practitioners on the latest in oncofertility knowledge:

  1. that pregnancy rates after freezing eggs are similar to those after freezing embryos, with live birth rates of 46% and 54% respectively in one study[11]

  2. ovarian tissue freezing[12] and grafting for females is no longer considered “experimental”, however special oversight for pre-pubertal girls under the age of 13 years is recommended. This is because clinical experience of patients who were 20 years of age or younger at the time of fertility preservation remains limited[13]

  3. extracting sperm from testicular tissue by microsurgery[14] may be considered for men who have already undergone cancer treatment and who were previously thought to have no sperm[15]

  4. testicular tissue freezing in pre-pubertal boys is currently considered “experimental[16]” as there are no mature sperm cells. Clinical ethical oversight is required while new methods are trialled to use these early cells for fertility.

Health professionals can support newly diagnosed patients through their oncofertility journey.

Timing is important

Once a diagnosis of cancer is made, discussion and decisions around fertility can be urgent and time-critical.

This is to allow time for referral to an oncofertility unit, appropriate counselling and informed decision-making to occur.

It takes time to plan and perform fertility preservation (for example, eggs may take around 14 days to grow and collect for freezing) so promptness is important to prevent delays in cancer treatment.

Read more: Researchers have grown 'human embryos' from skin cells. What does that mean, and is it ethical?[17]

Educating patients

Not everyone of child-producing age who is diagnosed with cancer is referred to oncofertility health services promptly, if at all. This can lead to feelings of conflict and regret[18].

Our team of fertility specialists from the Royal Women’s[19] and Royal Children’s[20] Hospitals collaborated with the Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service[21] to develop a suite of animated patient education videos to address this gap.

The Fertility after Cancer[22] videos – available in multiple languages, reviewed by cancer patients and support groups, age-appropriate for children, adolescents, adults, and their families — discuss fertility preservation options, risks, benefits and alternatives.

Our goal is that all Australians with cancer have access to information, and support, regarding the impact of cancer treatments on their future fertility.

A quick guide to oncofertility choices.

References

  1. ^ diagnosed with cancer (www.aihw.gov.au)
  2. ^ over 85% (www.aihw.gov.au)
  3. ^ only half (academic.oup.com)
  4. ^ permanently reduce (www.fertstert.org)
  5. ^ Problems conceiving are not just about women. Male infertility is behind 1 in 3 IVF cycles (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ Oncofertility (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  7. ^ vitrification (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  8. ^ 5 things not to say to someone struggling with infertility (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (www.cancer.org.au)
  10. ^ Medical Journal of Australia (www.mja.com.au)
  11. ^ one study (obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  12. ^ freezing (www.mivf.com.au)
  13. ^ remains limited (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  14. ^ microsurgery (link.springer.com)
  15. ^ previously thought to have no sperm (ascopubs.org)
  16. ^ experimental (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  17. ^ Researchers have grown 'human embryos' from skin cells. What does that mean, and is it ethical? (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ conflict and regret (www.cancer.org.au)
  19. ^ Royal Women’s (www.thewomens.org.au)
  20. ^ Royal Children’s (www.rch.org.au)
  21. ^ Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (www.vics.org.au)
  22. ^ Fertility after Cancer (www.fertilityaftercancer.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/starting-cancer-treatment-you-should-discuss-fertility-first-190531

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...