Fertility preservation for young lymphoma patients

A lymphoma diagnosis is a stressful and often overwhelming time for most people. During the initial days to weeks there are many health professionals to meet, tests and scans while treatment is being organised, all while you are still trying to come to terms with your diagnosis. You are also provided with a lot of education about your treatment and the possible side effects that you may have for the treatment of lymphoma.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of lymphoma can also affect fertility. For many young people having children may be the last thing you want to think about right now. But it is important to discuss your fertility with a specialist who can help you to understand the long term effects of your treatment. They can discuss the options that are available to you before starting cancer treatment and the follow up after treatment.
Lymphoma Australia were pleased for A/Prof Kate Stern, a leading specialist in fertility preservation for people undergoing cancer treatment in Australia, to speak to us about what is fertility, fertility preservation and the options available to young patients receiving treatment for lymphoma. Kate heads the fertility preservation at Melbourne IVF and The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. The information provided in this video will hopefully help you understand fertility preservation and to help you make decisions that are right for you.