BREAST CANCER AND FERTILITY: WHO FRAMEWORK FOR REPRODUCTIVE COUNSELING IN YOUNG AFRICAN PATIENTS

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu; Majane Agnes Leshoele

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1540

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Division of Haematology, Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe. The Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Majane Agnes Leshoele Division of Haematology, Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1540

Keywords:

Breast cancer, fertility preservation, reproductive counseling, WHO guidelines

Abstract

Breast cancer is becoming more acknowledged as a major health issue for young women in Africa, where it is frequently identified at more advanced stages and at a younger age than the worldwide averages. The convergence of breast cancer and fertility creates distinct clinical and psychosocial difficulties, as numerous patients are in their childbearing years and confront the dual pressure of a life-threatening illness and the possible loss of fertility from treatment. Thus, tackling fertility preservation is an essential aspect of holistic cancer treatment for young African women. The World Health Organization (WHO) created a framework to incorporate reproductive counseling into cancer treatment, highlighting early assessment of fertility risks, education for patients, culturally appropriate counseling, and availability of fertility preservation services. Nonetheless, the execution in African contexts is still restricted because of resource limitations, absence of specialized services, socio-cultural obstacles, and inadequate awareness among providers. These difficulties emphasize the necessity for customized approaches that take into account the local health system and cultural environment.