Fertility and Sexual Health in Young Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2023 Oct;32(4):747-759. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.05.012. Epub 2023 Jun 15.

Abstract

Fertility and sexual health may be impaired by early breast cancer treatment in young women, and these issues should be addressed at diagnosis and through survivorship. Future fertility interest and risk should be considered and communicated, and early referral made to an infertility specialist for those interested. Data regarding safety of fertility preservation options as well as pregnancy after breast cancer are overall reassuring. Patients should be counseled about the impact of systemic therapies and breast surgeries on sexual health outcomes and educated about and referred as needed for available strategies for prevention and management of impairment.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Fertility; Premenopausal; Sexual health.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Health*