Fertility Preservation Options for Cancer Patients Discussed at Seattle Area Medical Center

Aug. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- ReproTech, Ltd., a cryobank specializing in long-term storage of human reproductive tissue (sperm, eggs, embryos and ovarian and testicular tissue) was invited to speak on the topic of fertility preservation for oncology patients.  

Reprotech Site Director Danika Batastini reports “ReproTech has included fertility preservation awareness and education as one of our main goals for the past few years through our Fertility Preservation Network and the distribution of our educational materials. With the increase in cancer survivors and ongoing advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, it is essential that oncology professionals discuss fertility preservation options with all of their patients upon cancer diagnosis.  Recent studies are reporting that although conversations about fertility preservation are increasing, many oncologists are not addressing this important topic with their newly diagnosed patients.  It is ReproTech’s goal to offer oncology teams the information and resources to assist them in fertility preservation discussions with their patients."

Batastini addressed staff at Overlake Medical Center, in Bellevue, WA in her ongoing effort to provide education on fertility preservation options for cancer patients such as sperm banking, embryo and egg freezing and ovarian and testicular tissue freezing.  ReproTech’s goal is to educate as well as to increase communications and collaboration between members of oncology healthcare teams.  Lynn Davis, MD, who leads the Fertility Preservation Program at Seattle Reproductive Medicine, also presented.

“We are proud to have an industry leader such as ReproTech address our members on fertility preservation needs and resources for cancer patients.  Patients’ fertility is a very important concern, and this information is essential to enable oncology teams to provide the best care for our patients,” says Oncology Social Worker and Women’s Cancer Specialist Desiree Hobson, MSW, who coordinated the event.

According to the American Cancer Society, 140,000 American men and women under age 45 are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Once diagnosed, there is a small window of time to preserve fertility; therefore, access to cryopreservation services is extremely important.  ReproTech, Ltd. has organized its Fertility Preservation Network to educate oncology professionals and caretakers, as well as provide much needed cryopreservation services. The network now includes members in 33 states and the Caribbean. Additionally, the work of organizations such as fertileHOPE and LiveSTRONG has advanced the awareness of the need for Fertility Preservation among the oncology community.

About ReproTech, Ltd.
ReproTech. Ltd. was founded in 1990 for the purpose of providing long-term cryostorage
services and operates cryostorage facilities in Florida, Minnesota, Nevada and opening in Texas later this month. More information on ReproTech, Ltd is available at http://www.reprotech.com or 888-489-8944. Information specific to the Fertility Preservation Network and its members can be found at http://www.fertilitypreservation.com.

About Overlake Hospital Medical Center
Overlake Hospital Medical Center’s Cancer Center offers a range of cancer services including ever-increasing treatment options, advanced diagnostic technology, a designated oncology unit, collaborative patient care teams, a holistic approach to healing and a wealth of resources for our patients and their families.  More information on Overlake Hospital is available at http://www.overlakehospital.org.