In a nutshell
This study investigated whether treatment for colorectal cancer (stage II and stage III) can affect female patients’ periods.
Some background
Stage II/III colorectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread through the initial layers of the bowel or has invaded the lymph nodes or nearby organs, but has not spread to distant sites such as the liver or lungs. The rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in young people have increased over the last 20 years. During that time there has also been an improvement in the treatment of colorectal cancer and patient survival. Improvements have included advances in chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy). However, for young female patients of childbearing age, these treatments can affect their ability to have children (fertility).
The impact of cancer treatments on fertility has mainly been studied in patients with breast cancer. It is not known whether treatment for colorectal cancer can affect female patients’ fertility.
Methods & findings
The authors analyzed the medical records from 123 female patients with colorectal cancer (stage II or stage III). 72 patients had colon cancer and 51 patients had rectal cancer. All patients were 40 years or younger and had normal periods before beginning their treatment. Patients with colon cancer were treated with chemotherapy after surgery. Patients with rectal cancer were treated with chemoradiotherapy before or after surgery. Patients were followed for at least 14.5 months. During the follow-up patients were asked whether their periods had stopped.
7 colon cancer patients’ (9.7%) periods stopped during their chemotherapy treatment. One year after treatment 3 patients (4.2%) still had no periods.
48 rectal cancer patients’ (94.1%) periods stopped during their chemoradiotherapy treatment. One year after treatment all 48 patients still had no periods.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that there is a high risk of long-term loss of periods in young female patients after treatment for rectal cancer. The risk is significantly lower after colon cancer treatment.
What’s next?
If you are scheduled to undergo treatment for colorectal cancer, discuss your fertility risks and options with your doctor.
Published By :
Clinical Colorectal Cancer
Date :
Mar 01, 2015
