Current Status of the Cooperation within an Oncofertility Team for Younger Patients with Breast Cancer who Underwent Surgery at Saitama Cancer Center

Abstract

Purpose: Oncologists should inform young patients about fertility issues during cancer treatment and support their serious decision-making on fertility preservation. In the present study, we investigated current status of the cooperation within an oncofertility team for younger patients with breast cancer at our cancer center lacking for reproductive specialists.

Methods: Patients younger than 40 years old who underwent breast surgery from January 2013 to December 2019 at Saitama cancer center were examined. Subjects of clinicopathological factor and the status of fertility preservation were identified from the clinical records.

Results: 168 patients aged 26-39 (median 36) years old were included, of which 30(20%) were classified as ER negative and HER2 negative cancer. 69% of patients with invasive carcinoma underwent chemotherapy. 39% of unmarried patients, 68% of married without a child and 23% of married and having children required fertility. 8 patients underwent reproductive technology following the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Conclusions: A considerable number of patients with breast cancer turned out to be requiring fertility. It is important to establish and make good use of the oncology-reproduction network in this cancer center having the advantage of professional oncology team.