Around the world, many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer worry about their fertility. Dr Pallavi Prasad, fertility consultant at NOVA IVF Fertility, Bengaluru, says pregnancy in women with breast cancer or those who have been treated for it, is difficult.

How do cancer treatments affect fertility?
“Cancer treatments are necessary as they are lifesaving, but the treatment can hamper one’s reproductive organs and glands, thereby resulting in infertility. Fertility changes can be temporary or permanent,” she says, adding, it is advisable to consult your medical team to learn what to expect based on your treatment.

The degree to which fertility is affected is determined by factors such as:
1. Fertility baseline
2. The age during the time of treatment
3. The type of cancer
4. The course of treatment
5. The amount of treatment
6. The duration of treatment
7. The amount of time since cancer treatment
8. Other aspects of personal health

-Is it impossible to have a child after being diagnosed with breast cancer?

“Some breast cancer treatments may have an impact on a woman’s fertility. Despite this, many women are able to conceive after treatment. The best time to discuss fertility with your doctor is before beginning breast cancer treatment,” says Dr Prasad.

-Could breast cancer treatment harm the unborn child?

If you are still receiving treatment for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, consult your doctor before attempting to conceive. These drugs have the potential to harm a developing foetus, it is best to postpone pregnancy until all treatment is completed. It’s also important to remember that stopping the treatment too soon increases the chances of the cancer growing or coming back, the doctor warns.

Breastfeeding after undergoing breast cancer treatment
Breastfeeding from the affected breast may be difficult if you have had surgery and/or radiation. According to studies, there is less milk production in that breast, as well as structural changes that can make breastfeeding painful or difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast. Despite this, many women are able to breastfeed.

Read more- https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/breast-cancer-awareness-month-impact-of-breast-cancer-on-women-fertility-7576122/