Lewisville, TX – All too often those who face a positive diagnosis of cancer find their personal fertility jeopardized in the process. This secondary loss can be especially traumatic for women and men in their childrearing years. The medical community, however, can often assist patients in overcoming obstacles so the hope for a family down the road doesn’t have to be sacrificed in the process of battling the disease.

“Fighting and winning the battle against cancer should be a patient’s top concern, but that doesn’t mean the dream of being a parent should be forgotten or given up,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “People who are concerned about the potential loss of fertility due to cancer must raise this concern before aggressive treatments begin so their healthcare team can recommend appropriate options.”

The available options to help preserve fertility or assist in future family planning will vary based on the cancer, its stage and the treatments recommended, Dr. Echt says. They may include:

• Fertility sparing treatments – Depending on the location of the cancer, treatments may sometimes be guided to protect and preserve reproductive organs. This option, however, must be carefully balanced with the need to eradicate the cancer and simply isn’t always available as a result.
• Advanced fertility planning – Some cancer patients will find they can collect and freeze sperm or eggs for future use before treatments begin. This preserves healthy cells for future use once the battle against cancer has been waged.
• Adoption – Some people may find this alternative more to their liking. There are some obstacles here, but they can often be overcome once the five-year mark has been attained or if patients consider adopting older children.

“Waging a successful battle against cancer doesn’t have to mean the loss of a family dream,” says Dr. Echt. “Patients shouldn’t be afraid to discuss their options with their healthcare teams.”

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.