Did you know that only 50% of young cancer patients are counseled on how their cancer treatment will affect fertility?
While some patients have the knowledge, time and resources to freeze eggs, sperm or embryos, it’s important to share perspectives of all young adult survivors.
We recently spoke with Jennifer Swanton, a longtime blood cancer survivor and advocate, about her experience. Her courageous voice will help you understand why there’s still work to do be done with fertility preservation and family building with healthcare providers and the cancer community.
Q: Jennifer, when were you diagnosed with cancer?
A: I was 15 (in 1991) and went to the doctor for a routine sports physical. I left the appointment diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare form of blood cancer with a minimal survivor rate.
Q: How soon into your treatment did you learn how cancer treatment might affect your fertility?
A: I was admitted to the hospital the next day and treatment started immediately. It wasn’t until a year later after harsh chemo and a bone marrow transplant that I was told I had ovarian failure and would not be able to have biological children.
Q: How did you feel when you learned about your fertility?
A: I was devastated and shocked that no options were even discussed prior to treatment. The long-term side effects were devastating throughout my adult life–over the next 25 years I was dismissed as a life partner upon transparently sharing that I could not have children.
Q: Why are you so passionate about Worth the Wait’s mission?
A: I am grateful that Worth the Wait exists to be a funding source and light to people who have already suffered and are looking for hope for their future.
“Cancer is just one battle. The side effects are the war you will fight the rest of your life.” ~ Jennifer Swanton, 32-year AML Survivor
When Jennifer was diagnosed and treated, egg freezing was just beginning with very limited accessibility and high costs. Today many young cancer patients can access fertility preservation quickly, if they are informed about their options. Furthermore, survivors today have access to newer options like ovarian tissue cryopreservation (ovary is removed and later reimplanted to achieve pregnancy), gestational surrogacy and egg donation.
Chances are that you’re moved by Jennifer’s story. If you want to take the next step to empower young patients and reduce the financial barriers to fertility preservation consider making a difference through a donation to Worth the Wait.