Knowledge | A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story: Motherhood Is Still Possible
May 30, 2024—Twelve years ago, 28-year-old Maggie Louks was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced not only the threat of cancer but also concerns about how treatment might affect her future fertility. Now 40, after years of effort and medical support, Louks has overcome cancer and has three healthy children.
When Louks was diagnosed, doctors recommended intensive chemotherapy to minimize the risk of recurrence. She chose fertility preservation and began trying to conceive after treatment. Although her first embryo transfer failed, she obtained new eggs through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and welcomed twin daughters in 2020. Louks later conceived naturally and gave birth to a third child.
A recent study was the first to follow young breast cancer survivors for more than 10 years after treatment. It found that most women who tried to conceive ultimately became pregnant and gave birth. The study was led by Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, vice chair of medical oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
In the study, 73% of women became pregnant after treatment and 65% gave birth. The study also found that most patients were able to conceive after treatment regardless of cancer stage, chemotherapy exposure, or hormone receptor-positive tumors, and treatment did not significantly reduce their chances of pregnancy.
Dr. Partridge noted that pregnancy is not appropriate for every breast cancer survivor. It is a highly personal decision based on discussions with family and physicians and consideration of future recurrence risk.
For women who wish to try to conceive, oncofertility can provide important support. This emerging field combines cancer care with reproductive health to help patients maximize fertility preservation. Research shows that many women were not informed about fertility preservation before cancer treatment, making early consultation with a fertility specialist essential.
Louks emphasized that understanding and discussing fertility early is essential for every young breast cancer patient. “My advice is to discuss fertility with your oncology team from the beginning, understand all your options, and consider how those choices may affect your treatment.”
Her story shows that a positive outcome is possible for many breast cancer patients who still hope to become mothers.
Knowledge | A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story: Motherhood Is Still Possible
Knowledge | A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story: Motherhood Is Still Possible
May 30, 2024—Twelve years ago, 28-year-old Maggie Louks was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced not only the threat of cancer but also concerns about how treatment might affect her future fertility. Now 40, after years of effort and medical support, Louks has overcome cancer and has three healthy children.
When Louks was diagnosed, doctors recommended intensive chemotherapy to minimize the risk of recurrence. She chose fertility preservation and began trying to conceive after treatment. Although her first embryo transfer failed, she obtained new eggs through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and welcomed twin daughters in 2020. Louks later conceived naturally and gave birth to a third child.
A recent study was the first to follow young breast cancer survivors for more than 10 years after treatment. It found that most women who tried to conceive ultimately became pregnant and gave birth. The study was led by Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, vice chair of medical oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
In the study, 73% of women became pregnant after treatment and 65% gave birth. The study also found that most patients were able to conceive after treatment regardless of cancer stage, chemotherapy exposure, or hormone receptor-positive tumors, and treatment did not significantly reduce their chances of pregnancy.
Dr. Partridge noted that pregnancy is not appropriate for every breast cancer survivor. It is a highly personal decision based on discussions with family and physicians and consideration of future recurrence risk.
For women who wish to try to conceive, oncofertility can provide important support. This emerging field combines cancer care with reproductive health to help patients maximize fertility preservation. Research shows that many women were not informed about fertility preservation before cancer treatment, making early consultation with a fertility specialist essential.
Louks emphasized that understanding and discussing fertility early is essential for every young breast cancer patient. “My advice is to discuss fertility with your oncology team from the beginning, understand all your options, and consider how those choices may affect your treatment.”
Her story shows that a positive outcome is possible for many breast cancer patients who still hope to become mothers.
Story source:
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