Abhishek Aggrawal, Chief Business Officer of Birla Fertility & IVF, a part of the C.K. Birla Group, highlights the critical need for integrating discussions on fertility preservation into cancer care for women. Despite guidelines recommending such conversations before cancer treatment, there exists a notable gap in practical implementation. Aggrawal emphasizes the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach involving both oncologists and reproductive specialists to address this gap and enhance awareness among patients.

Annually, over 140,000 individuals diagnosed with cancer are in their reproductive years, with up to 45 years of age. Shockingly, 40-80% of females undergoing cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, face potential infertility issues. Recognizing the growing importance of fertility preservation is vital in improving the overall quality of life for cancer survivors.

In India, there is both opportunity and challenge in the realm of fertility preservation. Awareness regarding onco-fertility needs to be nurtured to foster a supportive and informed environment for cancer patients and couples navigating fertility issues. Advanced medical techniques, such as egg freezing, embryo freezing, and ovarian cortex freezing, offer hope for women battling cancer to protect their fertility.

Egg freezing, available since the late 1990s, has gained popularity in India, providing women with cancer the chance to preserve their fertility. It offers advantages such as the opportunity for future biological parenthood, reduced risk of chromosomal irregularities in offspring, and relief from the anxiety of biological clock constraints.

Embryo freezing, another viable option, allows cancer patients to store embryos for future use, ensuring reproductive options post-cancer treatment. This method boasts a high success rate in achieving successful pregnancies and provides reassurance during challenging times.

For young women who have not yet reached puberty, ovarian cortex freezing offers the opportunity to preserve ovarian tissue, safeguarding their reproductive potential. By retaining ovarian function, women can aspire towards motherhood beyond their cancer diagnosis.

Looking ahead, the integration of fertility preservation into cancer care is imperative. While cancer treatments are life-saving, they can have adverse effects on women's reproductive organs. Prioritizing fertility preservation as part of comprehensive cancer care is essential. Empowering patients with information and support regarding fertility preservation options ensures they can make informed decisions, giving them hope for future conception despite their cancer diagnosis.