Hormone-Positive Breast Cancer And IVF: Weighing The Risks And Benefits (2024)

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis, especially for women in their reproductive years, can feel like an overwhelming life shift. For those with hormone-positive breast cancer, this challenge becomes even more complex, as the treatment aimed at suppressing cancer can also impact fertility. However, advancements in fertility treatments, like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), now offer breast cancer survivors the chance to explore family planning after recovery. We spoke to our expert Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Co-Founder, Indira IVF, about the potential risks and benefits of IVF, especially for those with hormone-sensitive cancers, to make informed decisions.

According to the World Journal of Clinical Oncology, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, surpassing lung cancer in 2020 with 2.3 million new cases, accounting for 11.7% of all cancers. By 2030, the global breast cancer burden is projected to reach nearly 2 million cases. In this landscape, hormone-positive breast cancer, accounting for 70% of all breast cancer cases globally—presents unique challenges, especially when it intersects with fertility concerns.

For many survivors, the dream of motherhood persists, making it crucial to understand the delicate balance between cancer treatment and fertility preservation options like IVF.

Hormone-Positive Breast Cancer and Fertility Concerns

"Hormone-positive breast cancer is fuelled by oestrogen and progesterone, leading to treatment strategies that suppress these hormones. For women of reproductive age, this often results in reduced ovarian function due to medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Additionally, chemotherapy can damage ovarian reserves, further complicating future pregnancy prospects," explained Dr Murdia.

As breast cancer diagnoses among younger Indian women increase, fertility preservation methods, such as egg or embryo freezing before cancer treatment are gaining traction. However, the consideration of IVF post-treatment raises concerns about potential cancer recurrence, especially for hormone-sensitive cancers.

Also Read:Post-Treatment IVF: When Is It Safe To Pursue Fertility After Breast Cancer?

Understanding the Risks of IVF Post-Breast Cancer

“The key concern regarding IVF in women with hormone-positive breast cancer lies in the hormone surges caused by ovarian stimulation. Traditional IVF protocols use high doses of gonadotropins, which elevate oestrogen levels, raising concerns that this could trigger a recurrence of cancer in survivors whose cancer cells are sensitive to oestrogen,” said Dr Murdia.

“Though the research in this is still ongoing, current studies suggest that carefully managed IVF protocols may not significantly increase the risk of cancer recurrence,” he added. Specialists often recommend using tailored protocols involving medications to suppress oestrogen levels during ovarian stimulation, thereby reducing the hormonal impact while still enabling egg retrieval.

IVF Landscape for Breast Cancer Survivors in India

India's IVF industry is growing rapidly, with increasing awareness around fertility preservation for cancer patients. The ability to freeze eggs or embryos before cancer treatment is providing hope to many young breast cancer patients.

However, access to such services remains uneven across the country, and financial constraints can be a barrier for many women. Still, as awareness grows, the demand for fertility preservation options is expected to rise, particularly as breast cancer incidence continues to increase.

Globally, and in India, medical professionals are adopting more conservative IVF approaches to minimise hormone exposure for breast cancer survivors. These new protocols allow women to pursue fertility preservation and conception while reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

Also Read:Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Expert Explains The Role Of Gut Health In Breast Cancer Prevention

Benefits of IVF for Breast Cancer Survivors

Despite the risks, IVF offers a pathway to motherhood for many breast cancer survivors. For those who opted for fertility preservation before starting cancer treatment, IVF can provide a chance to conceive once they have completed their cancer therapy. Frozen eggs or embryos, stored before the start of treatment, can be used in IVF cycles later when the patient is in remission.

"IVF can also be used with donor eggs for women whose ovarian reserves were compromised by cancer treatment. Additionally, the controlled nature of IVF allows patients and doctors to plan pregnancy around a patient's recovery, providing a sense of control over the timing of motherhood," highlighted Dr Murdia.

The psychological benefits of IVF are also significant. For many breast cancer survivors, the hope of becoming a mother offers motivation and positivity during and after their cancer treatment. IVF provides a way to fulfil family aspirations, bringing a sense of normalcy and future-focused optimism after overcoming a life-altering diagnosis.

Bottomline

Dr Murdia concluded, “For women with hormone-positive breast cancer, IVF offers hope. With advancing fertility treatments and growing awareness of breast cancer, women can now explore options for starting or growing their families post-recovery. Breast cancer survivors can make empowered, informed decisions about fertility and motherhood by working closely with healthcare professionals and understanding the risks and benefits of IVF.

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]