The Polish League Against Cancer Foundation has just launched a campaign entitled 'The Polish League Against Cancer'. #MIhaveCancerChildren as part of the project implemented over the last few months Oncofertility - or fertility preservation in cancer patients.
Incidences of malignant tumours are increasingly common in people under the age of 40. According to the National Cancer Registry, almost 8,000 people in this age group developed cancer in 2015, and some of them had not made procreative plans prior to the disease. The cancer and the treatment given can lead to a deterioration of reproductive function or cause infertility, therefore it is the duty of the attending physician to inform patients about the possibility of such complications. Removal of the reproductive organs in a woman, the testicles in a man or pelvic irradiation causes permanent infertility , while the use of chemotherapy and hormone therapy can permanently or reversibly inhibit reproductive function in unisex . Oncology patients should receive comprehensive information about possible complications, including the risk of fertility loss and options for fertility preservation and assisted reproduction, at every stage of treatment, before surgery, radiotherapy or systemic treatment.
About the project
As part of the project, the Foundation launched Fertility Behaviour Helpline . The helpline operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 793 555 238. Free information on the possibility of having offspring and preserving fertility in oncology patients is provided by Milena Lachowicz, M.D., and Katarzyna Barańska, M.Sc. at the Fertility Preservation Helpline. The #MamRakChild campaign is aimed at both men and women. It begins with a webinar for NGOs entitled. "Ways to preserve fertility in oncology patients", organised by the Polish League Against Cancer and the MSD Foundation for Women's Health. Next webinars for patients and professionals will be held on 27 and 31 May . The campaign will run on social media and with the support of well-known and well-liked people.