Learning that your cancer treatment may affect or has affected your fertility can be distressing. Options exist to preserve fertility by sperm banking or collecting eggs before treatment. However, not all patients want or will be able to do this. In coping with your diagnosis and treatment, and the possibility that you may not be able to have a child naturally, remember that you are not alone.
Speak with your doctor or nurse about your concerns. Social workers can provide support, and a clinical nurse specialist can explain the options available for you to become a parent. In addition, our Resources for Life After Cancer program provides a number of support services, including short-term individual and couples counseling as well as educational programs and support groups for young adults. For more information call 646-888-4740.
In addition, below are selected websites that you may find helpful. Besides information, many of these offer bulletin boards, chat rooms, blogs, online support groups, or even one-on-one support.
For People With Fertility Problems
American Fertility Association
- Provides information and support on family building
- Lists support resources, blogs, webinars, and events on the “Online Community” pages
- Lists therapists who specialize in fertility issues
- Call the hotline at 888-917-3777 for information about supportive resources
- Provides information and support to men and women dealing with infertility
- Lists resources on the “Support and Services” pages
For People With Cancer
- Provides free professional support services (counseling and support groups) to people affected by cancer
- Has a Young Adult Program
- Provides one-on-one support by connecting individual patients with someone who has had the same type of cancer
Livestrong (Lance Armstrong Foundation)
- Dedicated to uniting, inspiring, and empowering people affected by cancer
- Provides one-on-one support and information on emotional effects of cancer
- Offers Podcast Series for Young Adults
For Women With Breast Cancer
- Provides support for young Jewish women with breast cancer
- Search “programs and services”
- Community of breast cancer patients 40 years of age and younger
- Hosts group events around the country
- Includes bulletin boards on a number of topics, including fertility and menopause
