Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Fertile Hope, and Nevada Cancer Institute Unite Providing Hope for Cancer Victims at Grand Rounds
Preserving biologic fertility for future now an option for reproductive age cancer patients.

LAS VEGAS, NV: Approximately 130,000 Americans of reproductive age are diagnosed with cancer each year including many Nevadans. These patients are at risk for permanent infertility the result of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. While younger patients often cite infertility as a significant concern, many patients are not informed of their reproductive risks at the time of diagnosis. One study showed that less than 10% of oncologists inform all of their eligible patients of their available reproductive options. To provide reproductive option education to oncologists, physicians, and the public, the Fertility Center of Las Vegas in cooperation with Nevada Cancer Institute and the national non-profit organization, Fertile Hope, hosted Cancer & Fertility Grand Rounds on Thursday, March 30 at 2 PM. This event took place in the auditorium of the Nevada Cancer Institute at One Breakthrough Way, 10441 W. Twain Avenue, Las Vegas and featured distinguished reproductive endocrinologists Dr. Bruce Shapiro and Dr. Said Daneshmand.

 Major cancer organizations have recognized that as survivorship increases, the need to address the long-term consequences of cancer treatment also increases. Last year, the President’s Cancer Panel issued recommendations that all eligible cancer patients receive both written and verbal communication about their infertility risks and options prior to the initiation of treatment.

 As respected researchers, clinician, and founders of the state’s first assisted reproductive practice—The Fertility Center of Las Vegas—Drs. Shapiro and Daneshmand both addressed fertility risks, preservation strategies and post-treatment options. Drs. Shapiro and Daneshmand also founded the state’s first oocyte cryopreservation (“egg freezing”) program designed specifically for females of reproductive age who have been diagnosed with cancer but yet untreated. Of the approximately 150 babies born worldwide from this technique, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas is responsible for three of these babies.

 Fertile Hope’s goal of the Cancer & Fertility grand rounds presentation was to increase awareness and education in the oncology community on the subject of cancer and fertility.