Guide | Study Finds Frozen Eggs Significantly Improve Pregnancy Rates After Breast Cancer
Pregnancy may seem out of reach after breast cancer, but recent findings show that frozen eggs can significantly improve the chance of pregnancy after treatment, offering hope to patients who want to become mothers after recovery.
Casey Vayancourt, 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer while trying to conceive with her husband. Her oncologist said that the risk of recurrence might make pregnancy unsafe. Before cancer treatment, the couple created and froze embryos through a fertility clinic. They explored surrogacy and even considered having Vayancourt's sister carry the pregnancy.
During egg retrieval, Vayancourt developed a rare complication causing fluid to collect in her abdomen and lungs and required hospitalization for drainage. Three days later, she had a double mastectomy followed by 12 cycles of chemotherapy that could impair fertility.
Vayancourt said the possibility of not having children was upsetting for both her and her husband. Seeing her sister's relationship with her daughter had strengthened her desire to become a mother. The diagnosis created uncertainty about whether they could have a family, while increasing age made time feel limited.
After learning about the POSITIVE trial on pregnancy safety after breast cancer, Vayancourt discussed it with her oncologist and decided to try. The couple conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her doctor said it was fortunate that she had preserved her fertility because her ovaries were now “quiet.” At 39, Vayancourt successfully became pregnant and welcomed her daughter, Mae Vayancourt, in May.
New Findings From the POSITIVE Trial
The latest findings offer further encouraging news for young women who want to become pregnant after breast cancer treatment. The analysis included 497 women under 43 with early-stage hormone-sensitive breast cancer. During a planned pause in long-term treatment, 74% became pregnant.
Fertility preservation before cancer treatment and assisted reproduction such as IVF did not significantly increase recurrence risk. This is important as more women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their reproductive years.
Age was the only significant factor affecting time to pregnancy. Among women under 35, 64% became pregnant within one year and 80% within two years. Among those ages 40 to 42, 38% conceived within one year and 50% within two years.
Women who underwent ovarian stimulation and frozen embryo transfer were more than twice as likely to become pregnant as those who used no assisted reproductive method.
POSITIVE trial researchers emphasized the importance of sharing the results because some oncologists still advise patients not to become pregnant. Early fertility-preservation counseling is critical for women hoping to conceive after breast cancer treatment.
Challenges of Pregnancy and Fertility Preservation
Despite the encouraging results, fertility preservation before treatment often costs more than $10,000, while assisted reproductive technology (ART) costs at least $15,000. Most insurance plans do not cover these expenses.
Awareness of fertility preservation and its costs, along with improved insurance coverage, is therefore important. According to the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, 16 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted fertility-preservation laws since 2017. More work remains to ensure that all women who need support can access it.
Guide | Study Finds Frozen Eggs Significantly Improve Pregnancy Rates After Breast Cancer
Guide | Study Finds Frozen Eggs Significantly Improve Pregnancy Rates After Breast Cancer
Pregnancy may seem out of reach after breast cancer, but recent findings show that frozen eggs can significantly improve the chance of pregnancy after treatment, offering hope to patients who want to become mothers after recovery.
Casey Vayancourt, 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer while trying to conceive with her husband. Her oncologist said that the risk of recurrence might make pregnancy unsafe. Before cancer treatment, the couple created and froze embryos through a fertility clinic. They explored surrogacy and even considered having Vayancourt's sister carry the pregnancy.
During egg retrieval, Vayancourt developed a rare complication causing fluid to collect in her abdomen and lungs and required hospitalization for drainage. Three days later, she had a double mastectomy followed by 12 cycles of chemotherapy that could impair fertility.
Vayancourt said the possibility of not having children was upsetting for both her and her husband. Seeing her sister's relationship with her daughter had strengthened her desire to become a mother. The diagnosis created uncertainty about whether they could have a family, while increasing age made time feel limited.
After learning about the POSITIVE trial on pregnancy safety after breast cancer, Vayancourt discussed it with her oncologist and decided to try. The couple conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her doctor said it was fortunate that she had preserved her fertility because her ovaries were now “quiet.” At 39, Vayancourt successfully became pregnant and welcomed her daughter, Mae Vayancourt, in May.
New Findings From the POSITIVE Trial
The latest findings offer further encouraging news for young women who want to become pregnant after breast cancer treatment. The analysis included 497 women under 43 with early-stage hormone-sensitive breast cancer. During a planned pause in long-term treatment, 74% became pregnant.
Fertility preservation before cancer treatment and assisted reproduction such as IVF did not significantly increase recurrence risk. This is important as more women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their reproductive years.
Age was the only significant factor affecting time to pregnancy. Among women under 35, 64% became pregnant within one year and 80% within two years. Among those ages 40 to 42, 38% conceived within one year and 50% within two years.
Women who underwent ovarian stimulation and frozen embryo transfer were more than twice as likely to become pregnant as those who used no assisted reproductive method.
POSITIVE trial researchers emphasized the importance of sharing the results because some oncologists still advise patients not to become pregnant. Early fertility-preservation counseling is critical for women hoping to conceive after breast cancer treatment.
Challenges of Pregnancy and Fertility Preservation
Despite the encouraging results, fertility preservation before treatment often costs more than $10,000, while assisted reproductive technology (ART) costs at least $15,000. Most insurance plans do not cover these expenses.
Awareness of fertility preservation and its costs, along with improved insurance coverage, is therefore important. According to the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, 16 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted fertility-preservation laws since 2017. More work remains to ensure that all women who need support can access it.
Source:
Collected online