Family & Fertility
Building a family is more complicated with AYA cancer, whether you want a lot of kids, none at all, or haven’t decided yet. Many people are able to conceive naturally after treatment, but that’s not possible for everyone. Initiating conversations about fertility with your cancer care team at the beginning of your treatment process will help you stay in control and aware of your options.​
Fertility Preservation, Egg/Sperm Donation, Surrogacy, and Adoption
Certain cancers and therapies can impact your current or future fertility. Freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos can allow you to have a biological child in the future, even if you become infertile after treatment. If you’re struggling to conceive naturally, there are a number of technologies like ovarian stimulation or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help you get pregnant. Many fertility preservation procedures are covered under insurance if medically necessary treatments cause infertility. A reproductive endocrinologist can help you determine fertility status and decide on the best course of action.
If you’ve met with a reproductive endocrinologist and determined that you won’t be able to conceive after treatment, there are other routes to parenthood. If your sperm isn’t viable, your partner could be artificially inseminated with donor sperm. If your eggs aren’t viable, you can carry a pregnancy using a donor embryo or eggs. If you’re unable to carry a child full-term, a gestational carrier or surrogate can carry and deliver your child, with either donated or your preserved sperm/eggs. Fostering and adoption are other paths to parenthood. It can be a long process; laws and regulations vary by state and country. You may be asked to provide your medical records or wait a period of time after your diagnosis to complete the adoption.
While the journey to parenthood might be more complicated for AYA survivors, you are not alone. Check out our featured webinars below to hear from other survivors about how they became parents and the amazing children they’ve welcomed into their families.
Parenting with Cancer
If you’ve got kids and cancer…you’re probably exhausted. When you’re struggling with fatigue and side effects…chasing the little ones around the house or driving your teen to dance practice can be totally overwhelming. You might have to spend time away while you’re in the hospital.
It’s really hard to admit you need help…but you do need it! Be open with your partner, family, and friends about your limitations. Let them know how they can pitch in to support you. Let them babysit while you rest; seek out help with transportation and meals. Delegate whatever specific household tasks you can.
It can feel overwhelming to have “the cancer talk” with your children. There is no roadmap for that conversation, but there’s also no right way or wrong way to tell them. Before sitting down with your kids, think about how much you want to share with them and prepare for what questions they are likely to ask. If your child is old enough to understand the word “cancer,” don’t shy away from using it in an age-appropriate way.
You know your child best, and though you may not be able to predict their reaction, you know how to support them through challenges. Listen and respond authentically to their concerns. Continue the conversation as an ongoing family dialogue, where your kids feel safe to ask questions and trust that you will be honest with them. If you feel your child needs additional support, you might consider some sessions with their school counselor or a family therapist.
Questions for your provider...
What is my risk of infertility or early menopause based on my cancer type and treatment plan?
How will I know if I am fertile after treatment?
Can I safely carry a pregnancy to term?
Will any fertility preservation options delay my treatment or influence my chance of recovery?
Can you recommend an infertility clinic that specializes in cancer survivors?
Can you recommend support services that will help me navigate adoption?
Are there any local programs or services that can help me balance treatment and family responsibilities?
More on Building a Family...
Fertility After Cancer
Whoa Baby! Parenting with Cancer
Parenthood Options for Infertile Survivors
Learn about the research
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