A cancer diagnosis is always life-changing. But for young women and men of reproductive age, it also brings another deeply personal concern — the risk of losing fertility. Fortunately, modern medicine offers options. The field of oncofertility bridges oncology and reproductive science, helping patients preserve their chance of becoming biological parents even after cancer treatment.
What is Oncofertility?
Oncofertility is a specialized medical field that focuses on preserving fertility in patients undergoing cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery). These treatments are often lifesaving but may irreversibly damage reproductive function.
Typical patients include:
- Women with breast cancer, lymphomas, or ovarian tumors
- Men with testicular cancer or Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Children with leukemia or other malignancies before puberty
Fertility Preservation Options
Scientific advances now allow us to preserve eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue for future use:
For women:
- Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) – ideal for single women
- Embryo freezing – for women with a male partner or donor
- Ovarian tissue freezing – an option for prepubertal girls or when treatment must begin immediately
For men:
- Sperm freezing – a simple and highly effective method
- Testicular tissue preservation – an experimental technique for prepubertal boys who do not yet produce sperm
Timing is Crucial
With oncofertility, every day counts. There's often only a short window — sometimes just a few days or weeks — between diagnosis and the start of cancer treatment. That's why quick and reliable coordination and transport of biological materials (to or from fertility centers) is essential.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies show that fertility preservation does not negatively impact cancer outcomes. In fact, some research suggests that offering oncofertility options may improve patients' emotional well-being and treatment motivation (Letourneau et al., 2012).
Additionally, women who undergo fertility preservation can, in some cases, have later IVF success rates comparable to women without cancer history (Dolmans et al., 2016).