A breast cancer diagnosis brings many questions and worries. Along with concerns about treatment and recovery, many women also wonder about their future—especially about marriage, pregnancy, and having children. One common question is: Does breast cancer treatment affect fertility?
The short answer is yes, some breast cancer treatments can affect fertility, but the effect is not the same for everyone. Let us understand this in a simple way.
What Is Fertility?
Fertility means a woman’s ability to get pregnant naturally. It depends on healthy eggs, regular periods, and proper hormone balance. Some cancer treatments can disturb this balance, either temporarily or permanently.
How Breast Cancer Treatments Can Affect Fertility
Different treatments affect the body in different ways.
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. While doing this, it can also damage healthy cells, including the eggs in the ovaries.
a. Periods may become irregular or stop completely
b. Some women may enter early menopause
c. Younger women have a better chance of periods returning after treatment
For some women, fertility returns after a few months or years. For others, the damage may be permanent.
2. Hormone Therapy
Some breast cancers grow due to hormones like estrogen. Hormone therapy blocks these hormones to prevent cancer from coming back.
a. This treatment often lasts for 5 to 10 years
b. Pregnancy is not advised during this time
c. Fertility may be delayed but not always lost
Many women are able to plan pregnancy after completing hormone therapy, with proper medical advice.
3. Surgery
Surgery to remove the breast (mastectomy) or part of it usually does not affect fertility directly. However, removal of ovaries (which is rare and done only in special cases) can stop fertility completely.
4. Radiation Therapy
Radiation given to the breast area generally does not affect fertility. But radiation near the pelvic area (not common in breast cancer) may impact the ovaries.
Can Fertility Be Preserved Before Treatment?
Yes. Today, doctors can help women take steps to protect fertility before starting cancer treatment. Some options include:
a. Freezing eggs or embryos
b. Medicines to protect ovaries during chemotherapy
These options should be discussed with the doctor as early as possible, especially for young women who wish to have children later.
Can a Woman Get Pregnant After Breast Cancer?
Many women do get pregnant after breast cancer treatment and deliver healthy babies. Pregnancy does not usually increase the risk of cancer coming back. However:
a. Each case is different
b. Timing is very important
c. Doctor’s approval is necessary before planning pregnancy
Doctors usually advise waiting for a certain period after treatment to ensure the body is ready.
Emotional and Social Concerns
In India, fertility and motherhood are closely linked to emotional and social well-being. It is normal to feel scared or confused. Talking openly with doctors, family members, or counselors can help reduce stress and bring clarity.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
