The number of young cancer survivors is rising, leading to a growing number of survivorship issues, including reproductive health concerns. Studies have shown that fertility preservation improves these patients’ ability to cope with their diagnosis and their quality of life. However, oncofertility may not always be a priority for oncologists at the time of diagnosis. A study found that only 47% of oncologists consistently refer patients to fertility specialists. It is unclear how many patients desire a referral or whether oncologists are not offering it. Oncologists should be mindful of survivorship needs, including fertility concerns, and address them at the time of diagnosis. Some fertility preservation procedures can only be done before cancer treatment begins. Discussions about oncofertility should be happening with all reproductive-age patients, including explanations of the risks associated with cancer treatments and strategies to reduce complications. Efforts are being made to help clinicians broach this topic with their patients. Addressing oncofertility needs early on can significantly impact the quality of life for young cancer survivors.

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