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Recover Overcoming Treatment Fertility

One thing that worries many survivors -- especially if they were diagnosed during the height of their childbearing years – is whether treatment will affect their ability conceive.

In women under 40, how treatment affects fertility often depends on their age, the type and stage of their breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and the type of treatment they receive.

However, let’s be clear, not all breast cancer treatments cause .

Chemotherapy, not surgery or radiation therapy, is typically the culprit after breast cancer treatment. In , it becomes apparent why.

If a woman receives chemotherapy as part of her breast cancer treatment, then she is at risk of developing premature ovarian failure  -- or very early menopause. That risk is 40 percent to 80 percent, according to , a national initiative dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose treatments bring the risk of infertility.

In addition, researchers at the in Valhalla, N.Y., have determined that there is a link between breast cancer and infertility.  To determine if you are at risk, go to “”. You may also want to review .

What to do about Infertility
, a drug traditionally used to prevent breast cancer reoccurrence, was recently found to stimulate ovaries in breast cancer survivors during an in-vitro fertilization cycle, enhancing both egg and embryo production. This extra boost can combat barriers such as age and diminishing ovarian reserves, which occurs naturally with aging, according to , founder of . He is a professor of obstetrics & gynecology and the director of the Reproductive Medicine & Infertility division at .

However, it is generally recommended that a survivor wait at least two years before trying to become pregnant, because the most serious issues with will occur within the first two years after treatment. When you are ready, you should address your fertility concerns and issues with the appropriate medical professional. Your oncologist may be able to make a referral.

Additional resources include:

For more information on addressing fertility issues, go to . You can also share your knowledge with other survivors in our or at .

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Breast Cancer Partner Events

September 29, 2012
'Pamper Me Pink' Breast Cancer Event, Floyd County, IN

September 22 – October 28, 2012
Shine Your Light Bright for the Cancer Fight, San Marcos, TX

September 29, 2012
Pink October Velvet Sessions with Bret Michaels, Hard Rock Hotel, Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL

September 30, October 3, 2012
American College of Lifestyle Medicine Conference – “Treating the Cause”, Orlando, FL

September 30, 2012
Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K Race, Washington, D.C.

October 3, 2012
The Beauty of Caring Event, San Francisco, CA

October 11, 2012
Cancer and Careers Online Event Legal & Insurance Issues to Consider

October 13 – 14, 2012
Lance Armstrong Foundation Live Long Run, Walk, Ride Event, Hallandale Beach, FL

October20, 2012
SASS Foundation 18th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Uniondale, NY

October 27 – 30
AACR Cancer Health Disparities Conference, San Diego, CA

November 15, 2012
Cancer and Careers Online Event Re-Entering the Workforce After Short & Long Absences

 

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