Fertility Issues in Hereditary Gynecological Malignancies

Abstract

BRCA1 or two mutation carriers have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Moreover, they may also have reduced oocyte reserve, occult primary ovarian insufficiency, decreased fertility, poorer response to ovarian stimulation and earlier age at menopause. Even if these associations are still controversial, carriers should be properly informed in order to program motherhood and fertility preservation when appropriate. Women with Lynch syndrome (LS) have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer at an early age and a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer. Thus, the promotion of early parity with subsequent hormonal contraception or prophylactic hysterectomy after completing childbearing should be discussed during counseling.

Keywords: BRCA, Breast cancer, Counseling, Endometrial cancer, Fertility, Fertility preservation, Infertility, Lynch Syndrome, Ovarian cancer.