Global uptake of fertility preservation by women undergoing cancer treatment: An unmet need in low to high-income countries

Abstract

Although the incidence of cancers is on the rise globally, mortality has continued to decrease due to advances in early detection and treatment. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can impact the reproductive capacity of survivors by inducing premature ovarian failure and subsequent infertility causing significant psychological distress with decreased quality of life. Despite the increasing need for fertility preservation services for the rising number of cancer survivors and the recent advances in assisted reproductive technology, many women with cancers in low, middle, and to a lesser extent, high-income countries have no access to these services. This article, therefore, presents an overview of the effect of cancer treatment on fertility, options of fertility preservation, and factors influencing fertility preservation utilization by women who had a cancer diagnosis. In addition, we discuss the availability, practices, and outcomes of fertility preservation services in low, middle, and high-income countries and highlight pragmatic steps to improving access to oncofertility care for women with cancers globally.