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Published on: October 24, 2025
Fertility after breast cancer
Alexandre Christinat1, Olivia Pagani
1Institute of Oncology of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Maturitas
|October 2, 2012
Summary
Breast cancer treatments can cause infertility in women of childbearing age. This review covers fertility preservation options and discusses pregnancy after treatment, including risks and breastfeeding impacts.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women of childbearing age.
- Adjuvant therapies improve survival but can lead to infertility, a significant concern for young women.
- Informing patients about fertility risks and preservation methods is crucial at diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence and impact of treatment-induced infertility in breast cancer patients.
- To discuss available fertility preservation techniques and ovarian function support.
- To examine optimal timing, risks, and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies and breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on breast cancer treatments and reproductive sequelae.
- Analysis of fertility preservation methods: embryo/oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and GnRH agonist use.
- Review of data on pregnancy outcomes and breastfeeding post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer treatments significantly increase the risk of infertility.
- Fertility preservation options include cryopreservation (embryo, oocyte, ovarian tissue) and ovarian suppression.
- Subsequent pregnancy carries potential risks for mother and fetus, and treatment impacts breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
- Young breast cancer patients face a high risk of infertility due to adjuvant therapies.
- Fertility preservation methods offer viable options for preserving reproductive potential.
- Careful counseling regarding pregnancy risks and breastfeeding is essential for survivors.
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