[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/cancer-treatment-and-fertility\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/cancer-treatment-and-fertility\/","headline":"What Do Patients with Cancer Need to Know About Fertility Before Starting Treatment?","name":"What Do Patients with Cancer Need to Know About Fertility Before Starting Treatment?","description":"What Do Patients with Cancer Need to Know About Fertility Before Starting Treatment? September 24, 2026 While cancer is rare in young adults, it occurs more frequently than many people realize. Young, healthy patients frequently get positive results from cancer care. However, they often have other concerns, such as whether treatment will affect their ability […]","datePublished":"2026-09-24","dateModified":"2026-09-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/#Person","name":"Advance SEO","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/couple-holding-hands-at-doctors-office-during-fertility-counseling-appointment.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/couple-holding-hands-at-doctors-office-during-fertility-counseling-appointment.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/cancer-treatment-and-fertility\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":2325,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Do Patients with Cancer Need to Know About Fertility Before Starting Treatment?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptember 24, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhile cancer is rare in young adults, it occurs more frequently than many people realize. Young, healthy patients frequently get positive results from cancer care. However, they often have other concerns, such as whether treatment will affect their ability to have children someday.If you are concerned about cancer treatment and fertility, then speak with your oncologist at Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA). RCCA is a group of more than 90 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders at more than 20 locations near you throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC area. The medical team at RCCA can help patients learn about fertility-preserving options to keep their reproductive organs healthy during cancer treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKey TakeawaysCancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and hormone therapy, can temporarily or permanently cause infertility.Fertility-preserving options for women include embryo cryopreservation, egg cryopreservation, ovarian tissue freezing, and LHRH agonists.Fertility-preserving options for men include sperm banking and testicular tissue freezing.Many fertility preservation options are most effective or must be completed before treatment begins, so patients should discuss fertility concerns as early as possible.Why Fertility Preservation Is a Conversation Every Cancer Patient DeservesAbout 4% of cancer cases occur in patients who are of reproductive age. For these individuals, the risk of infertility is a major concern. Many cancer treatments can affect fertility temporarily or permanently.For patients who hope to have children in the future, it’s essential to discuss infertility risks and the options to preserve fertility. This extra step helps patients access life-saving care without giving up on their plans. Even when the patient doesn’t want children, having more information can reduce future regret and help patients feel like they made the right choice.How Does Cancer Treatment Affect Fertility?Having a baby requires multiple body systems to function correctly. Reproductive organs must be intact, eggs and sperm must be healthy, and the endocrine system must produce the right hormones to tell both what to do. Certain cancers and cancer treatments can impact one or more of these systems. When this happens, the patient becomes temporarily or permanently infertile.ChemotherapyChemotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments. It uses strong medicines that kill cells that divide rapidly. This includes cancer cells, but it can also damage ovarian follicles and the cells involved in sperm production. In women, this damage can reduce the ovarian reserve and may trigger early menopause. In men, chemotherapy may slow down or stop sperm production.The risk of chemotherapy-related infertility depends on the type of drug used. Alkylating agents work by damaging cell DNA and are more likely to cause infertility. This includes drugs such as:CyclophosphamideIfosfamideBusulfanDose and duration are also influencing factors. Higher dosages are more likely to cause fertility changes, as are treatment regimens that include more than one type of chemotherapy.Radiation TherapyRadiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy DNA in cancer cells, killing them. There are multiple ways to administer radiation, each affecting fertility differently:External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): EBRT uses a machine to direct a beam of radiation at the body. It may affect ovarian or testicular function if it targets the pelvis or abdominal area.Internal radiation (Brachytherapy): Brachytherapy is given by placing a radiation source inside or near the area being treated. Its effects on fertility depend on the treatment location and other factors. Patients also may have some restrictions on sexual intercourse during treatment.Total body irradiation (TBI): TBI treats the whole body with radiation and is often used to prepare the body before stem cell transplantation. It has the highest risk of causing infertility.It may be possible to shield the testicles or move ovaries outside of the radiation field. However, radiation can scatter once it enters the body, so reproductive organs may still be affected.SurgerySurgery for cancer involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue. It is often the first-line treatment, especially for early-stage tumors that have not spread outside of a limited area. This treatment has the most direct effect on fertility. Surgery for ovarian, uterine, prostate, testicular, and bladder cancers may involve removing or altering reproductive organs in ways that can permanently affect fertility.Hormone TherapyHormone therapy uses drugs to reduce the hormones that certain cancers, including prostate cancer and breast cancer, use to grow. Because the body uses these hormones to produce sperm, get an erection, or begin and carry a pregnancy, the reduced levels may affect the patient’s sex drive and ability to have a child. These effects tend to get better after the treatment stops, although hormone therapy in women may cause an early menopause.Fertility Preservation Options for WomenFor some women, normal fertility returns after cancer treatment is finished. Others, however, never regain their fertility. Fortunately, with appropriate planning, women can preserve their fertility and have children after treatment ends. Options may include:Embryo FreezingEmbryo freezing, also called embryo cryopreservation, is considered the gold standard for female fertility preservation. During embryo freezing, the ovaries are stimulated with medicines to encourage fast egg maturation. After two to three weeks, the mature eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized using sperm from a partner or donor. The fertilized embryos are then frozen. When the patient is ready to get pregnant, an embryo is thawed and placed into her uterus.Egg FreezingEgg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, follows the same process as embryo freezing. The only difference is that eggs are frozen unfertilized. This option is commonly used for patients who do not want to create embryos. Success rates depend on factors such as the patient’s age, the number of eggs retrieved, and the fertility center’s techniques and outcomes.Ovarian Tissue FreezingOvarian tissue freezing involves removing part or all of an ovary with surgery. After cancer treatment, the removed ovary is thawed and placed back into the body. After the ovary resumes function, it may be possible to get pregnant naturally or with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Ovarian tissue freezing is recommended for patients who cannot delay treatment long enough for ovary stimulation. It may also be used for children who have not yet gone through puberty.Ovarian SuppressionA luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist is a medication that triggers a temporary menopause, putting the ovaries in a resting state. The deactivated ovaries are less likely to be damaged by harsh treatments such as chemotherapy. LHRH agonists can reduce the risk of infertility, but they aren’t a guarantee. For this reason, LHRH is often used alongside other preservation methods to maximize the chances of success.Fertility Preservation Options for MenFertility preservation options exist for men as well. While some men don’t lose fertility permanently, others can protect their reproductive capabilities and father children after their treatment concludes. There are two primary methods available:Sperm BankingSperm banking is the simplest option for male fertility preservation. A sperm sample is obtained from masturbation, penile vibratory stimulation, or extraction. The sample is tested to confirm normal motility, then frozen for long-term storage. Sperm can last in a bank for decades and stay just as likely to start a pregnancy as sperm from men without cancer.Testicular Tissue CryopreservationTesticular tissue cryopreservation works similarly to ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The procedure involves removing and freezing immature testicular tissue, then implanting it back into the patient’s body after treatment. Testicular tissue cryopreservation is still an experimental therapy that is primarily recommended for children who get cancer before puberty.Having a Child After TreatmentEven if patients remain fertile during treatment, it is important to avoid pregnancy during chemotherapy. Eggs and sperm may be damaged by the treatment, leading to birth defects and other complications. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also harm an unborn baby, causing defects or miscarriage. Patients should use effective birth control during and after cancer treatment until their care teams confirm that it is safe to try to have a baby.The appropriate time to try to conceive after treatment varies based on the cancer type, treatment received, recurrence risk, and individual circumstances. Patients should ask their oncology and fertility teams when it is safe to try to conceive.Questions to Ask Your OncologistWhile fertility preservation methods exist, they are a time-sensitive topic. Most preservation options need to occur before treatment starts. Once chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery begins, fertility preservation may no longer be an option. Patients who are concerned about fertility should open the discussion early. Questions to ask may include:Is my treatment likely to affect my fertility?Am I likely to recover my fertility after treatment ends?How long can I safely delay treatment for fertility preservation?Can you refer me to a fertility specialist?Is fertility preservation covered by my insurance?RCCA oncologists aim to provide effective education to all new patients. This includes information about fertility changes and preservation options. We believe that your future family matters. By planning for it before treatment begins, we help you get the care you need without compromising your family plans.earn More about Fertility-Preserving Treatment Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, DC AreaCancer treatment does not necessarily mean never having children. Fertility preservation measures may help preserve options for future biological parenthood. Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is a network of more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC area. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or contact us.Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Treatment and FertilityDoes chemotherapy always cause infertility?No, chemotherapy does not always cause infertility. The risk of infertility depends on the specific chemotherapy drug used, the strength of the dosage, and the patient’s age. High doses in older patients are more likely to affect fertility than smaller doses in young individuals.Can I freeze eggs before cancer treatment?Yes, you can freeze unfertilized eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue before cancer treatment. Egg freezing is a viable way to preserve your future fertility before undergoing treatment that might affect your ability to have children. Be sure to talk with your oncologist about whether delaying treatment for egg freezing is safe for your diagnosis.How long does fertility preservation take before starting chemotherapy?The time required for fertility preservation depends on the type of preservation. Egg or embryo freezing takes two to three weeks for hormone injections, monitoring, and egg retrieval. For men, sperm collection takes only a few days.How soon after cancer treatment can I try to get pregnant?How long you should wait before getting pregnant depends on your type of cancer, its stage, what treatment you received, and your age. Generally, those seeking pregnancy should wait at least two years after chemotherapy to make sure all damaged eggs have left the body. If there is a high chance of the cancer recurring, you may need to wait a few years until the cancer is less likely to come back.How soon after cancer treatment can I try to father a child?Generally, men should wait two to five years after treatment before fathering a child. Waiting ensures that any sperm that was damaged by chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been replaced by healthy sperm. Is fertility preservation covered by insurance?Fertility preservation is sometimes covered by insurance if it is to prevent infertility caused by cancer treatment. Speak with your oncologist and your health insurance provider to learn more about your coverage and requirements.What is an LHRH agonist and how does it protect fertility during chemo?A luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist is a medication that temporarily puts the ovaries in a resting state. While the ovaries are not working, the follicles and eggs are less likely to take severe damage from chemotherapy drugs. LHRH agonists can reduce the risk of permanent infertility, but they are not a guaranteed method.Should I talk to a fertility specialist before starting cancer treatment?Yes. If you are concerned about fertility preservation, you should talk to a fertility specialist before starting cancer treatment. Most preservation options need to occur before treatment. Even if you decide not to pursue fertility preservation, talking with a specialist can help you feel confident about your choice and experience less regret.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere Can You Find Expert Cancer Care Near You in Hackensack and Bergen County, NJ?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvery cancer treatment journey begins with finding an oncologist. Patients in Hackensack, NJ, and Bergen County may not realize they don’t need to travel to\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to Find an Oncologist Near You in Connecticut at RCCA West Hartford\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne of the most intimidating things about a cancer diagnosis is finding the proper care. Cancer treatment has earned a reputation for long travel and\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere Can You Find Expert Cancer Care Near You in Freehold and Monmouth County, NJ?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen patients receive a cancer diagnosis, the first question they ask is where to find care. Many individuals assume that they need to travel to\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Do Patients with Cancer Need to Know About Fertility Before Starting Treatment?","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/cancer-treatment-and-fertility\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]