Fertility Preservation Visit Rates Rise for Young Women
Young women diagnosed with cancer are increasingly using fertility preservation support services following a diagnosis.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cancer
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Between 2015 and 2025, only 3.4% of young women diagnosed with cancer in the United States received fertility preservation support. While overall usage remains low, access rates for women aged 18 to 40 years increased significantly during that decade.
Why it matters
Cancer treatments can impair reproductive health, making early discussions about fertility preservation essential for young patients. The recent increase in visit rates follows updated 2025 clinical guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology aimed at improving care access.
A retrospective study of 279,562 women aged 18 to 40 revealed that fertility preservation visits rose from 5.9 per 1,000 in 2015 to 37.7 per 1,000 in 2025. While adoption is growing, the drivers behind persistent regional disparities between the West and South are still unknown.
The players
American Society of Clinical Oncology
A professional organization that establishes clinical practice guidelines for cancer care.
Epic Cosmos
A large-scale clinical database used by researchers to analyze real-world patient health data.
The details
Researchers utilized the Epic Cosmos database to evaluate how young patients navigate the path to fertility preservation after a cancer diagnosis. Among the small percentage of women receiving support, 72.3% attended a visit with a counselor, and 42.1% engaged in a formal procedure consultation. These services provide patients with information on options for preserving oocytes or embryos, which may be impacted by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Timeline
2015: Fertility preservation visit rates were 5.9 per 1,000.
2015-2025: The study period covered cancer diagnosis and support usage.
2025: Fertility preservation visit rates climbed to 37.7 per 1,000.
2025: Clinical guidelines for fertility discussions were updated by the ASCO.
Health Landscape
The oncology field is increasingly prioritizing long-term quality of life, with fertility preservation becoming a key component of survivorship planning. This shift aligns with the 2025 ASCO clinical guidelines, which aim to standardize how oncologists address reproductive concerns.
If you are a young adult diagnosed with cancer, ask your oncology team about a referral to a reproductive specialist before beginning treatment. These early conversations are critical, as options for preserving fertility are most effective when discussed immediately following a diagnosis.
The takeaway
While fertility support visits are increasing, many young patients still face significant gaps in access to these services. If you or a loved one receive a new cancer diagnosis, prioritize asking your care team specifically about the timing of fertility preservation options.
Further reading
For more on how specialized care plans affect long-term health, explore our Cancer archive.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
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