Survival rates for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer have been steadily increasing. However, many childhood cancer survivors face an increased risk of long-term health issues, including impacts on fertility, due to the side effects of today’s toxic treatments.
Studies indicate that between 30 – 70% of young cancer survivors experience significant fertility issues, and they are at least 39% less likely to be able to conceive children of their own. Yet, access to specialised consultation and fertility preservation before cancer treatment is alarmingly limited, with only 15% of young cancer patients receiving this critical support.
To address these challenges and ensure children can thrive after cancer, the Children’s Cancer Foundation has partnered with My Room Children’s Cancer Charity to fund a groundbreaking national fertility preservation service launched by the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Together with My Room, the Foundation has committed $6.4 million over the next five years to this landmark initiative, which will provide hope to families across the country.
The new national program will provide fertility preservation services, education, and research for young cancer patients nationwide and thanks to funding support, young cancer patients and their families can access these services free of charge.
This visionary initiative will see hundreds of children and young adults with cancer offered fertility preservation to start families of their own later in life.
The national fertility preservation initiative is built on three key pillars:
Listen to the ABC 744 radio interview with Associate Professor Kate Stern AO, a world-leading fertility expert and Head of the Women’s Fertility Preservation Service.
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