Gilead Sciences: Preserving Fertility in the Face of a Cancer Diagnosis

Rhea-AI Summary

Gilead Sciences highlights the impact of breast cancer treatments on fertility, focusing on the experiences of younger women. Emma, a 28-year-old nursing student, opted for IVF and egg freezing after her diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer, reflecting on how cancer disrupted her life plans. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 9% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are under 45, facing potential infertility from chemotherapy. Gilead partners with organizations like the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) to support these women, stressing the importance of consulting fertility preservation experts. Amanda Nixon of YSC advises that young women consider their post-cancer treatment life and fertility options.

Positive

• Gilead partners with organizations supporting breast cancer patients.
• Focus on fertility preservation is relevant for 9% of U.S. women diagnosed under 45.
• Emphasizes importance of post-cancer life planning.
• Highlights the unique needs of younger breast cancer patients.

Negative

• No new financial or clinical data provided by Gilead.
• Lack of detailed business development insights.
• Does not address immediate effects on Gilead's stock or financial performance.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2024 / Emma was a 28-year-old nursing student when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She had always wanted children and, once she learned that her treatment could affect her fertility, she found herself needing to make a quick family planning decision to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF) and freeze her eggs.

"You think that you have time to have all these things happen, and you don't," says Emma. "Your life is put on hold and your future's put on hold, and who knows if you even could have kids."

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, about 9% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States are younger than 45 years old. While surgery and radiation rarely affect fertility, women who undergo chemotherapy can experience immediate or long-term infertility if eggs become damaged or destroyed. Other cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy, aren't known to cause infertility, but the treatment duration could interfere with the biological clock of childbearing years.

Gilead partners with various organizations that support people living with breast cancer. One such organization, the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), recognizes the unique needs of people of childbearing age and works with patients under 40 through nearly every facet of their cancer treatment journey.

"People may tell you to focus on treating your cancer first, but it's important that you also consider life after cancer treatment and the impact of any treatment you may choose," says Amanda Nixon, YSC's Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment. She says her organization always recommends that younger women diagnosed with cancer seek a consultation from a fertility preservation expert if having biological children is of interest.

Watch the video above to learn about two women's fertility journey.

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gilead Sciences on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Gilead Sciences
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gilead-sciences
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Gilead Sciences

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

How does breast cancer treatment affect fertility?

Chemotherapy can cause immediate or long-term infertility by damaging or destroying eggs, unlike surgery or radiation which rarely affect fertility.

What percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer are under 45?

About 9% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are younger than 45 years old.

What support does Gilead provide for young women with breast cancer?

Gilead partners with organizations like the Young Survival Coalition to support young women with breast cancer, including advising on fertility preservation options.

What is the Young Survival Coalition (YSC)?

The Young Survival Coalition is an organization that recognizes the unique needs of young breast cancer patients and works with them through nearly every facet of their treatment journey, emphasizing fertility preservation.

Why is fertility preservation important for young women with breast cancer?

Fertility preservation is important because treatments like chemotherapy can damage eggs, potentially leading to infertility, and organizations like YSC recommend consulting with a fertility preservation expert.