Young women with cancer face added trauma of fertility problems

YOUNG women diagnosed with cancer face the added trauma of fertility problems caused by the treatment of advanced forms of the illness, the Irish Cancer Society said yesterday.

Cancers that fail to be detected in the early stages can be treated by both chemotherapy and hormone therapy, which can pose a threat to fertility in women of childbearing age.

Thirty-six-year-old Kylie Minogue, who has openly spoken about an urge to have children, may have to put any plans for a family on hold as it is recommended that you do not get pregnant for a minimum of two years after a positive breast cancer diagnosis.