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.
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.
‘It’s a shame that patients are still so little pointed out’
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.’
‘Too little awareness and knowledge’
‘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’, explains gynecologist and co-supervisor Ina Beerendonk.
Radboudumc has now created an online decision aid that helps women to make a choice.
Source: ANP
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