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While it is possible that women who have reproductive organ cancer may experience some fertility issues, cancer of the breast tissue specifically should not hamper fertility. That said, it is important to underscore that, as with all cancers, breast cancer left untreated will become invasive, in which case reproductive health may be affected.
The answer to that question depends on several variables, most notably the type of treatment used for your cancer.
Surgery of cancerous breast tissue alone will not alter your fertility, as long as no surgery is performed on your ovaries, tubes, or uterus. Surgery is often followed by radiation treatments.
Radiation therapy, since in the case of breast cancer is administered to non-reproductive tissue, should not adversely affect fertility. The tissue that is affected by radiation treatment is specific to the cancer itself.
Hormonal therapy i.e. the use of tamoxifen, can produce menopause-like symptoms, but should not permanently affect fertility. In fact, in younger women, taxomifen seems to increase fertile potential.
Chemotherapy may alter your fertility. In general, anti-cancer drugs can damage the ovaries. This damage may lead to either temporary or permanent infertility, depending on things like the type of drug used, the dosage, and a woman's age. Older women (over 35 or so) are more likely to experience permanent infertility after chemo.
Bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, since performed in conjunction with high-dose chemotherapy, is related to the same fertility alterations as the chemo.
Alternative or complementary therapies, as always, should be used only with the guidance of a reputable practitioner. Some may hamper fertility, and some may not; patients should specifically check with the practitioner to be sure.
© Tracy Morris
