Parenthood for Cancer Patients

TRUTH

People With Cancer
Can Have Babie

While the answer depends on each person’s unique health and medical needs, advanced fertility preservation methods provide miracles. According to the CDC, more than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S. In fact, a large portion are young people. The American Cancer Society reports that a staggering 80,000 of young Americans (ages 20 to 39) and between 5,000 and 6,000 adolescents (ages 15-19) face a cancer diagnosis every year.

People With Cancer Can't Have Babies?

CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN THE UNITED STATES ANNUALLY

People Diagnosed With Cancer Logo

1.6 Million

PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

YOUNG AMERICANS (AGES 20 TO 39)

80,000

YOUNG AMERICANS
(AGES 20 TO 39)

ADOLESCENTS (AGES 15 TO 19)

5,000 - 6,000

ADOLESCENTS
(AGES 15 TO 19)

Cancer Patients Statistics

With a cancer diagnosis at a young age, these people could be challenged with infertility caused by their cancer treatments or cancer itself later in life. It’s unfortunate that young people are forced to think about their fertility years — sometimes even decades — before they may want to have children. But just because one is diagnosed with cancer doesn’t mean they are unable to have children.

The key to maintaining fertility with a cancer diagnosis is planning. It’s important for those who have been diagnosed to know their options and make a plan accordingly — whether they know they want to have children in the near future, or are unsure but considering having a baby in the future.

The Challenges:
Education and Resources

Many people diagnosed with cancer who want to have babies in the near or far future don’t know much about fertility preservation. And that’s okay! Often, when one is diagnosed with any type of cancer, the doctor’s focus may be on treating cancer quickly, efficiently, and safely. Also, there sometimes can be a lack of resources to educate patients.

Mayo Clinic defines fertility preservation as the process by which one’s reproductive organs, health, and/or options are maintained throughout the treatment of cancer. Fertility preservation treatment is vital, as common treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, can damage reproductive organs.

It’s up to the patient to ask questions about growing their family. Can I have a baby, now or ever? Should I wait until I’m in remission to get pregnant? Do cancer treatments impact fertility? Don’t hesitate to ask early and have a thorough conversation with your doctor.

Keep reading for a snapshot of fertility preservation options.

The Challenges: Education and Resources

Knowing Your Fertility Options With Cancer

Educating yourself about your fertility preservation options is the first step in your parenthood post-cancer diagnosis journey. While these are not all your choices, these are common options for cancer patients who are interested in undergoing fertility preservation.

Creating and then Freezing Embryos

Creating and then Freezing Embryos

Another option for folks diagnosed with cancer who want to maintain their fertility options is cryopreservation — creating then freezing embryos. Like IVF, the eggs are harvested and fertilized with the sperm of a partner or donor. The eggs are placed in a Petri dish for 5 to 7 days, and then genetic testing is performed. Now, this is where freezing embryos differ from IVF: The strongest embryos are then frozen (the fancy word for this is vitrification). Now, these embryos are safely stored and regularly monitored at medical labs or reproductive centers. Frozen embryos can be preserved for up to 10 years.
Carry Embryos After Freezing

Carry Embryos After Freezing

John Hopkins Medicine predicts the chances of a person with a uterus under the age of 35 becoming pregnant and delivering is good, as over 95% of embryos that have been frozen make it safely through the thawing process. People with uteruses over the age of 35 may have a harder chance of remaining pregnant and delivering, but it’s not at all impossible.

Surrogate

Surrogate

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine presents a surrogate (also called a gestational carrier) as another option in which a person with a uterus carries and delivers a baby for another couple or parent-to-be. People who wish to be parents but cannot carry a baby to term may explore this option. The eggs are not that of the surrogate. Instead, the eggs are often from the couple or parent-to-be through in vitro fertilization.

My Little Sunshine Financial Grants
For Fertility Preservation

As you read through these options, you may feel a pang of anxiety thinking of how much these fertility treatments may cost. It’s hard to put a price on family and fulfilling your lifelong dreams of becoming a parent. So how do you afford fertility preservation if it’s potentially your other option to have kids?

Fortunately, financial grants are available for cancer patients wanting to pursue fertility preservation. We will work with you and your specific needs to provide support or point you in the right direction. Contact us directly to discover your financial support options.

Contact Us

Contact us if you need help or if you have any questions.We are always here to answer your questions and assist!