Will I still be able to have children? This is one of the most common questions doctors hear from young women being treated for breast cancer.

Their concern is understandable. Some anticancer drugs and hormonal treatments used in breast cancer therapy can cause premature menopause and/or infertility. The NYU Cancer Institute has taken these concerns to heart. In 2005, Fertile Hope designated the NYU Cancer Institute one of five Centers of Excellence for educating patients and healthcare professionals about the reproductive risks of cancer therapy; making referrals to appropriate fertility specialists; and, whenever possible, conducting research on cancer and fertility. Fertile Hope is a national organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support, and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.

Today there are a variety of options available to preserve fertility, such as preservation of unfertilized eggs or fertilized embryos before cancer treatment begins (using traditional in vitro fertilization techniques). Along with NYU Medical Center’s renowned infertility experts, physicians and nurses from the NYUCI are collaborating to assemble clinical practice guidelines outlining how to discuss fertility issues with patients and when to refer them for counseling.

"Each situation is unique and requires individual discussion between the patient, her oncologist, and a fertility specialist," Dr. Novik emphasizes. "Patients deserve all the information we can give them."

Download the Fall 2007 Newsletter (pdf)