What would you do if you were genetically predisposed to breast cancer?
When Sujata Datar saw her sister diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a life-changing experience. Genetic testing revealed that both Sujata and her sister had the BRCA1 gene, known commonly as the breast cancer gene.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women, or 12 percent, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Women with the breast cancer gene see that number jump to 55-65 percent by age 70.
As her sister’s caretaker, Sujata saw the devastating effects of cancer up close. She vowed that her children would not experience the heightened breast cancer risks she faced. She also learned that the breast cancer gene can cause fertility to decline more quickly.
Armed with this information, Sujata decided to take charge of her fertility and her family’s future.
To learn more about Sujata’s story in her own words, click here for her patient story.
Women and men who are faced with a cancer diagnosis can preserve their fertility by freezing eggs, embryos, and sperm. A new law that goes into effect on January 1, 2019, requires that insurance companies cover fertility preservation for those diagnosed with cancer.
For those unable to access insurance coverage for fertility preservation during a cancer diagnosis, Fertility Centers of Illinois offers discounted treatment options. Medication discounts and treatment grants are also available through LIVESTRONG Fertility and the Heart Beat Program with Ferring, click here for a comprehensive list of payment programs and discounts.
To learn more about our Oncofertility Program or to schedule an appointment to speak with a physician click here.
