| Problem: When a woman of reproductive age receives the diagnosis of cancer she not only has to deal with the disease itself, but the potential repercussions of seeking complete cancer-free remission. While awareness of chemotherapy and radiation- induced infertility has increased, there is still a need for better access and guidance for these patients. Methods: An extensive and wide review of the literature on the topic of infertility in cancer patients was conducted and studies that were within the last decade and relevant to women of reproductive age were selected. Results: There are several studies in Canada, USA, Australia, Japan and the Netherlands that demonstrate the need and success of oncofertility programs worldwide. Oncofertility programs are typically made up of an oncologist, a reproductive endocrinologist, a psychiatrist, a social worker and a patient navigator. These programs show that both patients and providers benefitted from having a structured and stepwise approach to the patient's infertility. Conclusions: There is still research lacking in long term outcomes as these programs are still fairly new. The field of oncofertility would benefit greatly from a longitudinal study that compares outcomes within cancer survivors that were either part of an oncofertility program or were not. |
