Rochester Regional Health Updated Fertility Guide
The medical network released new resources for breast cancer patients regarding fertility preservation options.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Cancer
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Rochester Regional Health has published an updated guide to help premenopausal breast cancer patients navigate fertility concerns. The updated resources focus on strategies to manage treatment-related risks to ovarian function.
Why it matters
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can negatively affect future pregnancy chances for premenopausal patients. Early counseling ensures patients can explore preservation options before beginning therapy.
Standard endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer typically lasts five to 10 years. The POSITIVE trial indicates that patients may safely pause therapy after 18 to 30 months without increased short-term recurrence.
The players
Rochester Regional Health
This is an integrated health services organization providing medical care to the Rochester community.
American Society of Clinical Oncology
This is a professional organization representing oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer.
Boston IVF
This is a fertility center that provides reproductive services including egg and embryo freezing.
The details
Oncologists now provide referrals to reproductive endocrinologists for individual assessments and may discuss ovarian-suppression medication during chemotherapy. For egg or embryo freezing, the network coordinates care through Boston IVF.
Timeline
The American Society of Clinical Oncology issued fertility counseling guidance in 2025.
Endocrine therapy generally spans a duration of 5 to 10 years.
The POSITIVE trial examined pausing therapy after 18 to 30 months.
The Big Picture
This approach follows a pattern set by the POSITIVE trial, which provided evidence that breast cancer patients could safely interrupt treatment for pregnancy. It signals a broader medical shift toward prioritizing long-term quality of life alongside cancer suppression.
Premenopausal patients are encouraged to seek fertility counseling at the time of their initial breast cancer diagnosis. This early intervention allows for more comprehensive discussions regarding fertility preservation prior to starting chemotherapy or endocrine therapy.
The takeaway
Patients should discuss all fertility preservation options with their oncology team immediately following a diagnosis. Planning early provides the greatest range of medical options for those considering pregnancy after treatment.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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