When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her mind fills with many questions — Will I survive? How will my life change? Will I ever be able to have children?
In India, where family and motherhood often hold a special place in a woman’s life, the question of fertility becomes deeply personal. Unfortunately, many women are not told about the effects of cancer treatment on fertility before starting therapy. Let’s understand why this happens, and what can be done.
Why Fertility Gets Affected
Breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy work to destroy cancer cells, but they can also harm the ovaries — the organs that produce eggs.
Chemotherapy
can reduce the number of healthy eggs, leading to early menopause.
Hormone therapy
(like tamoxifen) delays pregnancy because it has to be taken for several years.
The younger a woman is, the better her chances of recovering fertility after treatment. But for some, the damage is permanent.
The Emotional Side
For many Indian women, the idea of not being able to have a child feels like another loss on top of fighting cancer.
It’s normal to feel sadness, anxiety, or even anger. Talking openly about these feelings is important, but sadly, in our society, fertility issues are often hidden away instead of discussed. This silence can make women feel more isolated.
What Can Be Done – Fertility Preservation Options
The good news is — there are steps women can take before starting treatment. Doctors call this “fertility preservation.” In India, these options are becoming more available:
Egg or Embryo Freezing
Eggs are collected from your ovaries and frozen for future use. If you have a partner, embryos (fertilized eggs) can be frozen.
Ovarian Tissue Freezing
A newer method where a part of the ovary is removed and frozen for later use.
Ovarian Suppression
Medicines given during chemotherapy to “rest” the ovaries and protect them.
It’s important to meet a fertility specialist before starting cancer treatment. Unfortunately, many women in India are not referred to one in time. That’s why self-advocacy — asking your doctor about fertility — is key.
Pregnancy after Breast Cancer
Many women in India have gone on to become mothers after treatment — either naturally, using frozen eggs/embryos, or through adoption. However, pregnancy should be planned with your oncologist’s advice. Most doctors recommend waiting at least two years after treatment before trying for a baby, to reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
