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Breast cancer is most common in older women. However, if you are a younger woman who has had breast cancer, you may have questions about how breast cancer may affect your ability to have children and whether there are any additional risks. Dr. Asha Baxi, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Indore clears some of your doubts here.
She says, "Following breast cancer treatment, many women can conceive. However, some treatments can make it more difficult to conceive. If you think you might want to have children one day or simply want to keep your options open, the best time to discuss this with your doctor is before you begin breast cancer treatment."
According to Dr. Baxi, the extent to which fertility is affected is determined by factors such as:
Is it possible to conceive after being diagnosed with breast cancer?
Some breast cancer treatments may have an impact on a woman's fertility (ability to have a baby). Chemotherapy for breast cancer, for example, may damage the ovaries, resulting in either immediate or delayed infertility. Despite this, many women can conceive after treatment. The best time to discuss fertility with your doctor is before beginning breast cancer treatment.
Can the family history of breast cancer put the baby at risk if one gets pregnant?
There is no evidence that a woman's previous breast cancer has any direct impact on her baby. It is discovered that there is no increased risk of birth defects or other health issues in children born with mothers having breast cancer.
How Cancer Treatments Affect Fertility
Cancer treatments are beneficial to your long-term health, but the reproductive organs and glands, which control fertility can be harmed due to it. Fertility fluctuations can be either temporary or permanent. Consult with your medical team to find out what to expect based on your treatment(s):
If you have or have had breast cancer and want to have children, consult your doctor to determine whether other types of treatment, such as immunotherapy and targeted cancer therapy, may have an impact on your fertility. This discussion should also include the possibility of the cancer returning. Counselling can often help you understand your options after surviving breast cancer and preparing for pregnancy.