Only half of young women with cancer are referred to a gynaecologist for a discussion about the options for preserving fertility, for example by freezing eggs. This is the conclusion of researcher and PhD candidate Michelle van den Berg of Radboudumc in Nijmegen.
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Women can become infertile due to chemotherapy, radiation or surgery on the reproductive organs. Often, however, a gynecologist can freeze eggs or move the ovaries before cancer treatment begins, which can help save fertility.
Quality of life
According to the PhD candidate, it is a shame that patients are still so little reminded of this, even if it happens more often than a few years ago. “In my dissertation, I show that women who do receive this care have a higher quality of life after their recovery from cancer. Even if they did not opt for a treatment to preserve fertility.”
“Sometimes there is a lack of awareness and knowledge of this subject. It is also a matter of time, logistics and attitude. Sometimes good information is not available in a hospital or it is unclear who is responsible,” gynaecologist and co-supervisor Ina Beerendonk explains the situation.
Online Choice Help
Radboudumc has now created an online decision aid that helps women to make a choice. (ANP)
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