Most women with breast cancer are not offered fertility treatment

According to Breast Cancer Care, 88 per cent of women under 45 were not referred to a fertility clinic to discuss the possibility of freezing eggs or embryos ahead of cancer treatment.

The charity said this is leaving an estimated 5,000 younger breast cancer patients across the UK missing out on fertility care, despite cancer treatment potentially leaving them unable to have children in future.

Researchers also questioned breast cancer oncologists, surgeons and nurses and found that 35 per cent are not telling younger breast cancer patients at diagnosis how treatment could affect their fertility, leaving them completely unaware of the risks.

Samia al Qadhi, Breast Cancer Care chief executive, said: “Our research shows that too many younger breast cancer patients are being denied the chance to preserve their fertility before they start cancer treatment. There are two clear reasons for this: many healthcare professionals are not discussing fertility options and clear referral systems are not in place.

“This is an unacceptable situation as breast cancer is a disease which robs many women of a chance to start a family. We urgently need all healthcare professionals to talk to women about their fertility options at the point of diagnosis.”

Cancer patient Catherine Coombe, 45, said she found it difficult to move forward with her life after discovering she could no longer conceive.

She said: “I was diagnosed five years ago when I was 39. I was single and wasn’t offered the opportunity to speak to a specialist about preserving my fertility.Despite having a nursing background, I didn’t fully realise the damaging impact treatment would have on my fertility. This was never addressed. At such an overwhelming time I just didn’t think, I was only focused on getting the cancer out and getting better.”

Researchers spoke to 176 women aged under 45 and diagnosed with breast cancer.