Navigating Fertility with Metastatic Breast Cancer

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is overwhelming, bringing fears and questions into one's mind about the future, including family planning and fertility. Many patients with this diagnosis worry about whether they can pursue their dreams of parenthood while managing their health. This is an important consideration, especially as advances in metastatic breast cancer treatments allow many to live longer, fuller lives. With these continually emerging treatment options, fertility preservation and family planning have become of greater importance. We help individuals navigate these very challenging decisions at MMCIVF, focusing on compassionate fertility and oncology support. This blog addresses some of the most critical questions regarding fertility and family planning for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to provide insight into some options and resources available. We will empower and enable you to make decisions as you choose from here on.

1. Can I still get pregnant if I have metastatic breast cancer?

The diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer frequently raises questions about your chances of having children because both the cancer and its treatment can impact your fertility. Chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy can impact the ovaries, potentially leading to infertility or premature menopause. Many women with metastatic breast cancer are actually able to explore family-building options. Both these specialists need to be approached early in the treatment plan. They can help to explain the risk and give options for fertility preservation with hope for people who have a desire to have a child in the future. Now, it is possible, thanks to advances in treatments and preservation of fertility, for people to have a child post metastatic breast cancer.

2. How does cancer treatment impact fertility?

Chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies employed for cancer can result in serious impairment of fertility. Chemotherapy is most damaging to ovarian function with drugs like cyclophosphamide. Radiation to the pelvic area can also damage the ovaries, leading to permanent infertility. Other treatments may induce premature menopause, where ovarian function stops earlier than usual. For women diagnosed with cancers that are hormone-sensitive, fertility may be affected by hormone therapy as well. Nonetheless, some fertility preservation options are available. This can include freezing one's eggs prior to commencing therapy. The discussion of fertility options should also be made available to an oncologist and a fertility specialist to guide an individual on how their fertility can be protected. They can, therefore, provide individual planning.

3. What Fertility Preservation Options Are Available?

There are various fertility preservation options that exist for individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Most commonly, patients opt for egg freezing, wherein eggs are retrieved, frozen, and preserved for future use. Another method is embryo freezing, which is when an egg is first fertilised and then frozen. Then, there's ovarian tissue preservation, in which some of the ovarian tissue is removed and then frozen; later, the tissue is implanted. It's really all about the timing. Such procedures must be undertaken prior to the beginning of treatments, including chemotherapy, for the cancer. All have risks and benefits that need to be discussed with your fertility specialist. MMCIVF offers these services in a patient-centred, safe environment, and your fertility needs will be treated with sensitivity and experience.

4. Is It Safe to Get Pregnant If I Have a Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis?

It is not an easy decision to decide to get pregnant after receiving a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. There could be anxiety when one is on hormone-sensitive treatment. Studies have shown that pregnancy does not increase the likelihood of recurrence of cancer, and in some cases, it might depend on the type of cancer, treatments received, and health status. Even hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer might give one a scare about its safety use during conception. It is very important to discuss your family plans with both your oncologist and fertility specialist so that you can consider the risks and discuss a way forward that would best help you with your health and fertility. MMCIVF can provide a good overview and support to assist with these decisions.

5. Are There Support Resources Available for People Navigating Fertility and Cancer?

Navigating fertility and cancer treatment is an emotional and trying process, but there are rich support resources. Counselling and mental health help patients deal with the psychological impact of cancer and fertility choices. Support groups and networking among patients enable patients to share experiences and enjoy emotional comfort from others with similar challenges. At MMCIVF, we approach each patient with a holistic mindset, giving them not only all the fertility treatments but also the emotional support they need. Our support team has counselling, fertility preservation guidelines, and patient-centred plans so that you feel supported and empowered throughout your journey. You are empowered with medical as well as emotional tools for negotiating this complex process.

About MMCIVF

MMCIVF is one of the prominent fertility and reproductive health clinics that specialises in individualised care for patients dealing with complex medical conditions, such as cancer diagnoses. Our team works closely with oncologists to provide integrated care, thus ensuring that patients have the most advanced fertility preservation options available, including egg freezing, embryo freezing, and ovarian tissue preservation. MMCIVF has experience with the emotional and sometimes physical challenges of cancer treatments. Comprehensive counselling services and support groups are offered to individuals to explore available choices about their fertility. It is our commitment to provide compassionate care and guide patients to make important decisions regarding their fertility treatment coupled with the best medical available for them.

Empowering Your Fertility Journey

It is, therefore, an important part of decision-making regarding family planning after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to be informed on fertility options and considerations. MMCIVF is focused on providing patients with all the necessary information regarding the choices available for fertility preservation and helping them through these choices with compassion and professional knowledge. We invite you to contact our team so that you may receive individual consultations tailored to your needs regarding the choices open to you. We won't worry about you at MMCIVF; instead, we will look out for you every step of the way to guarantee that the best decisions related to health, fertility, and your future family ambitions are available to you; we help you achieve the journey.