J Gynecol Oncol.  2014 Apr;25(2):148-154. 10.3802/jgo.2014.25.2.148.

Building a successful fertility preservation program at a major cancer center

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. jmerse@med.unc.edu
  • 2Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Abstract

Over 150,000 reproductive age individuals face fertility-threatening cancer treatments each year. Improved detection and treatment of cancer in reproductive-age patients have greatly increased the long-term survival and made it possible for these individuals to consider their long-term quality-of-life after cancer including having biologic offspring. Various methods of fertility preservation (FP) are now available for both males and females. In order to maximize FP options available to patients facing imminent gonadotoxic therapies, it is crucial that women have quick access to FP care and that providers expedite FP strategies. The overarching goal of a clinical FP program is to help patients and their physicians consider the impact of treatment on future fertility and facilitate FP efforts in what is often a limited time period before cancer treatment begins.

Keyword

Cancer center; Fertility preservation; Program

MeSH Terms

Female
Fertility Preservation*
Fertility*
Humans
Male

Reference

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