A nationwide UK survey of female fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment

Abstract

This survey examined the provision of fertility preservation for female oncology patients prior to cancer treatments, given their well-established gonadotoxic effects. Questionnaires were sent to all assisted conception units in the UK enquiring about the provision of oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, as well as funding for female oncology patients. In addition, data were obtained from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) on the number of cryopreservation cycles in 2013–2014. Of the 60 responding units, 53 (88%) offered fertility preservation. However, only 6 (11%) units performed more than 25 oocyte or embryo cryopreservation cycles per year, with 33 units (62%) treating fewer than 10 women per year. A total of 44 (90%) reported some National Health Service (NHS) funding, but only 12 (23%) had funding granted automatically and only 26 (49%) could offer NHS funded treatment exempt from their local eligibility criteria for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The HFEA data reported 154 NHS funded oocyte cryopreservation cycles in 2014. We conclude that the provision of fertility preservation is lacking and improvements can be made in the number of referrals from oncology, the provision of cryopreservation and the provision of NHS funding. Developing a national fertility preservation network and close liaison with oncology and Clinical Commissioning Groups are recommended.

Keywords:

• Fertility
• preservation
• cancer
• oocyte
• embryo
• cryopreservation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.