Italy Leads the Way in Post-Cancer Pregnancy Options
Italy has been at the forefront of research and advancements in post-cancer pregnancy options, particularly for women diagnosed with breast cancer. For the last 20 years, researchers from the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino University of Genoa have presented pioneering studies at major scientific conferences. Their ultimate goal has been to allow young women to become mothers after completing their cancer treatment, without compromising their own health or the health of their unborn children.
According to Lucia Del Mastro, Director of the Medical Oncology Clinic at the IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, the probability of recovery from breast cancer now exceeds 60%. She asserts that preserving the desire for motherhood is a right that oncology can and must guarantee to a growing number of women. The hospital has established a model for preserving fertility, allowing patients to access procedures for freezing oocytes and ovarian tissue before undergoing chemotherapy.
Each year, approximately 3,500 Italian women are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40, highlighting the importance of preserving fertility for these individuals. Advancements in research have also led to safe strategies for women diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, allowing them to give birth to healthy babies without increasing the risk of pathologies.
Despite these pioneering advancements, it is estimated that only 5% of women in Italy are aware of the opportunity to preserve their fertility after a breast cancer diagnosis. Del Mastro stresses the importance of educating and informing women about these safe options for preserving their ability to become parents after cancer treatment.
In addition, a study conducted in collaboration with San Martino and published in the prestigious American journal JAMA has provided new insights for young patients with the BRCA gene mutation. The study found that becoming pregnant after breast cancer diagnosis in BRCA-mutated women who had undergone previous chemotherapy was safe for both the mothers and their children.
Furthermore, recent data from the international POSITIVE study suggests that young women with early-stage breast cancer can interrupt adjuvant hormone therapy for two years to attempt pregnancy without increasing the risk of cancer recurrence.
The groundbreaking research and advancements from the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino University of Genoa continue to pave the way for post-cancer pregnancy options, providing hope and opportunities for women who wish to become mothers after overcoming breast cancer.