Fertility
& BREAST CANCER
If you’re a woman diagnosed with early breast cancer, thinking about future fertility might feel overwhelming, or not even on your radar yet. But for many, it becomes an important consideration. Here’s what you need to know.
Some breast cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can reduce your chance of falling pregnant in the future. There are ways to preserve your fertility before starting treatment, and the earlier you explore these options, the more choices you’ll have.
Before treatment begins, ask to speak with a fertility specialist, ideally in collaboration with your oncology team and breast care nurse to discuss the various options available to you.
Fertility preservation can be complex
Options like IVF and egg freezing may delay cancer treatment by several weeks, which isn’t suitable for everyone. Decisions depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as how urgently treatment needs to begin.
Working closely with both your oncologist and a fertility specialist ensures you receive personalised advice that balances your treatment and future fertility goals.
Cost & Financial Support
Fertility treatment can be expensive but help is available. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) provides government support for people with cancer to freeze eggs, sperm, or embryos for up to 10 years. The ART Program provides financial support for people undergoing cancer treatment who wish to preserve their fertility.
Eligibility varies, so speak with your oncology or fertility specialist to see if you qualify and how to apply.
Your Fertility Care Team
If you’re facing cancer treatment and want to explore fertility preservation, you’ll likely work with a range of healthcare professionals. Each plays a specific role in helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
- Cancer Specialists: These include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynaecological oncologists, surgeons, or haematologists.
They will explain how your specific cancer treatment may affect your fertility and whether there is time to consider fertility preservation before starting treatment. - Fertility Specialists: These are doctors trained in managing fertility and reproductive health, such as gynaecologists, obstetricians, or reproductive endocrinologists.
They can discuss options like egg or embryo freezing, ovarian tissue preservation, and advise on the best approach for your individual circumstances. - Fertility Counsellors: Fertility counsellors provide emotional support and guidance as you navigate the personal, medical, and ethical aspects of fertility preservation during cancer care.
Counselling may be particularly helpful when facing time-sensitive decisions or emotional stress. - Paediatric Fertility Experts: In cases where the patient is a child or adolescent, specialists such as paediatric gynaecologists, surgeons, or endocrinologists provide age-appropriate fertility care and advice.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
- Not all fertility options are offered in every clinic
- Fertility laws differ between states
- Some treatments require both partners’ consent
- Your cancer type (e.g. hormone receptor-positive) may impact eligibility for some medications
The information and content provided on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your medical team for advice on anything covered in this article.
