BCAC was pleased to see the topics of sex and fertility being discussed at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Singapore as these are important issues for cancer patients that have not always had the attention that they deserve.
This session follows on from similar presentations at the 2025 Breast Cancer Trials scientific meeting. You can read our report from that meeting on Sexual health after breast cancer here.
Survivorship is a critical component of cancer care. As cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, can reduce the chance of having children, future fertility is a high priority for many young cancer patients. Oncofertility bridges oncology and reproductive medicine. It involves the provision of counselling and the option of fertility preservation before the start of cancer treatment, i.e. surgery, radiation or systemic therapy (chemo or other medicines). Treatments can also affect sexual function, cause increased fatigue and reduce desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction. Clinicians should proactively ask about impacts on sex life and offer treatment. Effective oncofertility requires a team approach involving all treating clinicians and in many countries workforce education is needed. Fertility services should be culturally safe, barrier free, and inclusive of LGBTQI people.
Fertility options include embryo or oocyte preservation, ovarian tissue preservation (before puberty), and ovarian function suppression during treatment. Ongoing discussion is needed throughout survivorship and when treatments change.
You can read more about sex, relationships and breast cancer here and fertility after breast cancer treatment here.
