Oncology: Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Fertility Preservation

Oncology

Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on cancer. It includes studying cancer biology, treatment options, and patient management. Oncologists treat various cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, leukaemia, and lymphoma. They collaborate with fertility specialists to offer fertility preservation options like sperm, egg, and embryo freezing before cancer treatments.

What is Oncology?
Why is Oncology Done?
Types of Cancer Affecting Fertility
Cancer Treatments and Their Impact on Fertility
FAQ'S

What is Oncology?

Why is Oncology Done?

Oncology is essential for diagnosing cancer through various methods, including imaging tests (CT scans, MRIs), biopsies, and blood tests.
The primary goal of oncology is to treat cancer effectively. Treatment modalities include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery.
Oncology involves managing cancer treatment side effects, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, to improve patients’ quality of life.

Types of Cancer Affecting Fertility

Certain types of cancer and their treatments can significantly affect fertility in both men and women. They are as follows:

Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer can directly affect sperm production and hormone levels.
Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer and its treatments can impair ovarian function, leading to a decrease in egg production and potential early menopause.
Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Uterine cancer can affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult to sustain a pregnancy.
Cervical Cancer: Treatments for cervical cancer, including surgery and radiation, can damage the reproductive organs and affect fertility.
Breast Cancer: Hormonal treatments for breast cancer can disrupt menstrual cycles and affect ovulation, potentially leading to fertility issues.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for starting your family. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we offer personalised care with expert specialists guiding you every step of the way. Our advanced labs and outstanding success rates have helped over 2,30,000 patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

Best-in-class
Pregnancy Rate

With a team of 120 fertility experts, state-of-the-art embryology labs, and world-class technology, we achieve outstanding pregnancy rates

95% Patient
Satisfaction Score

We offer personalized treatment plans and comprehensive fertility services, ensuring exceptional fertility care under one roof.

100% Transparent &
Affordable Pricing

We are committed to making world-class fertility treatments affordable and accessible. We offer fixed price all-inclusive packages and 0% EMI options with no hidden charges.

Our Doctors

Gurgaon – Sector 14, Haryana

Dr. Prachi Benara

MBBS (Gold Medalist), MS (OBG), DNB (OBG) PG Diploma in Reproductive and Sexual health

Years of experience: 16+

Number of cycles: 3500+

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Kolkata , West Bengal

Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee

MBBS, DGO, FRCOG (London)

Years of experience: 34+

Number of cycles:

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Kolkata, West Bengal

Dr. Swati Mishra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Years of experience: 20+

Number of cycles: 3500+

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Rohini, Delhi

Dr. Meenu Vashisht Ahuja

MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) PG Diploma in ART & Reproductive Medicine

Years of experience: 17+

Number of cycles:

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Lajpat Nagar, Delhi

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) DNB (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Infertility Specialist

Years of experience: 13+

Number of cycles: 700+

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Dwarka, Delhi

Dr. Shilpa Singhal

MBBS, M.S., Diploma in Reproductive Medicine

Years of experience: 11+

Number of cycles: 700+

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Cancer Treatments and Their Impact on Fertility

Cancer treatments may harm reproductive organs and affect hormone levels, leading to temporary or permanent infertility. Therefore, fertility preservation options are crucial for patients planning to start their family in the future.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, these drugs can also damage other rapidly dividing cells in the body, including those in the reproductive system.
Impact on females: Chemotherapy can lead to primary ovarian insufficiency.
Impact on males: It can reduce sperm production and quality.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. However, radiation can also affect surrounding healthy tissues, including reproductive organs.
Impact on females: Radiation directed at the pelvis can damage the ovaries, leading to decreased egg production and potential early menopause.
Impact on males: Radiation aimed at the testicles can impair sperm production and hormone levels, affecting fertility.

Surgery

Surgical interventions may involve the removal of tumours which can directly impact fertility.
Impact on females: Surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix can lead to infertility.
Impact on males: Surgical removal of testicular tumours or other related structures can significantly affect sperm production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and the patient's overall health.

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect fertility in both men and women. Some drugs and radiation doses pose higher risks, with alkylating agents being particularly likely to cause infertility.

Men can opt for sperm cryopreservation, which involves freezing sperm samples for later use. This is the most established method for preserving male fertility before cancer treatment.

Patients should discuss fertility preservation options as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis. Ideally, this should be done before starting treatment to maximise the chances of successful preservation.

Oncologists are responsible for informing patients about the potential reproductive risks of cancer treatments. They also refer patients to reproductive specialists for fertility preservation options.

Oncology

What is Oncology?

Why is Oncology Done?

Types of Cancer Affecting Fertility

Why Choose Us

Our Doctors

Dr. Prachi Benara

Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee

Dr. Swati Mishra

Dr. Meenu Vashisht Ahuja

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

Dr. Shilpa Singhal