Cancer rates among younger women have risen steadily over the past two decades, driven in large part by breast cancer diagnoses. Yet many patients report that fertility risks and preservation options are not fully discussed at diagnosis—despite the fact that treatment decisions may permanently affect reproductive health.
The field of oncofertility bridges oncology and reproductive medicine, helping patients understand how cancer treatments may affect fertility and what steps they can take before treatment begins.
“Fertility preservation is a critical quality-of-life conversation,” says Laly Havern, PharmD, BCACP, Medical Advisor to Learn Look Locate. “Patients deserve clear, medically accurate information early—so they can make informed decisions that align with both their treatment plan and their future goals.”
The impact of cancer treatment on fertility varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, baseline fertility, treatment type, and treatment duration.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning it affects both cancer cells and healthy cells. In women, chemotherapy can damage ovarian egg cells, reducing ovarian reserve and sometimes leading to primary ovarian insufficiency or early menopause. In men, chemotherapy can affect sperm-producing cells, impacting sperm count and quality.
Radiation therapy involving the abdomen, pelvis, or spine can affect reproductive organs or the uterus, potentially impacting the ability to carry a pregnancy. Some targeted or hormonal therapies may also have fertility implications depending on duration and timing.
Because these effects can be permanent, fertility preservation—such as freezing eggs, ovarian tissue, sperm, testicular tissue, or embryos—is most effective when discussed before treatment begins.
Specialty Pharmacy
For more than four years, Learn Look Locate and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy have worked together to help bridge gaps in breast cancer education, access, and patient support—particularly around complex topics like fertility preservation, treatment side effects, and survivorship.
At Learn Look Locate, fertility preservation education is part of a broader mission: ensuring patients are not left searching for answers during moments of urgency or overwhelm. Through dedicated, medically vetted educational pages and expert-led conversations, Learn Look Locate helps patients understand:
This educational approach works hand in hand with the clinical and logistical support provided by Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy.
Many patients are surprised to learn that Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy plays an active role in fertility preservation support—not just medication access.
Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy is the only specialty pharmacy that proactively screens newly diagnosed cancer patients for fertility preservation needs, helping ensure these conversations happen early, when more options are available.
Their teams support patients by:
Through partnerships such as Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ Heartbeat Program and ReUnite Oncofertility, many patients are able to receive fertility medications at little or no cost—reducing one of the largest barriers to preservation.
“What I received wasn’t just financial help,” she says. “It was support during a time when
everything felt like too much.”
Today, Melissa is in remission and feels hopeful knowing she preserved future family-building
options.
At Learn Look Locate, education is viewed as a form of care. By combining medically reviewed content, expert insight, survivor stories, and trusted collaborations, the goal is simple: help
patients feel informed, empowered, and supported at every stage of their breast cancer journey.
Fertility preservation is not the right choice for everyone—but having the information early gives patients the ability to decide for themselves.
Q1. What is oncofertility?
A: Oncofertility is a medical field that focuses on helping people with cancer preserve their fertility and future family-building options.
Q2. When should fertility preservation be discussed?
A: Ideally, at diagnosis, before chemotherapy or radiation starts.
Q3. Can chemotherapy cause infertility?
A: Yes. Chemotherapy can damage eggs or sperm and may cause temporary or permanent
infertility, depending on treatment and individual factors.
Q4. Is fertility preservation covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies widely. Many patients face out-of-pocket costs, but medication financial assistance programs may help reduce expenses.
Q5. How does Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy help with fertility preservation?
A: They proactively screen patients, coordinate referrals, provide medication access, offer pharmacist support, and connect patients to financial assistance when available.
Q6. How does Learn Look Locate support patients?
A: Through medically vetted education, expert-led conversations, survivor stories, and partnerships focused on empowering patients to make informed decisions.
This educational resource was informed by reporting from The Wall Street Journal Partner Studio article, For Patients Facing Cancer, Preserving the Dream of Parenthood, published in collaboration with Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. It has been expanded by Learn Look Locate to provide medically reviewed, patient-centered education for the breast cancer Community.
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