How Can I Get Involved

There are a number of ways you can get involved with the Oncofertility Consortium® and join our effort towards exploring and expanding the options for the reproductive future of cancer survivors.

Be involved in the Oncofertility Consortium® by participating in our quarterly Virtual Grand Rounds, attending our annual conference in Chicago, IL, and commenting on our blog.

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If you are member of a medical speciality or treatment team that works in cancer care, reproductive endrocrinology/infertility, or oncology and are interested in learning more about fertility preservation options, let us know!

Patient Navigators:
The Oncofertility Consortium® created a new position at Northwestern: Patient Navigator for Fertility Preservation. The Patient Navigator is a resource to newly diagnosed cancer patients to discuss, plan and assist patients with fertility preservation services. The primary role is to triage patients given critical time frames and support patients as they pursue options including health education and coordination of services, usually between the oncologist and reproductive endocrinologist. It’s crucial to be a resource for referring physicians, patients and the whole community regarding fertility preservation services at Northwestern.

There are multiple choices for newly diagnosed cancer patients when considering fertility preservation. It is the Patient Navigator’s job to help patients and physicians create a synergistic and interdisciplinary treatment regimen. Each patient needs an individualized consultation to determine the best and most mature technology available in their unique circumstances and according to their informed choice.

The Oncofertility Consortium® also runs a National Fertility Preservation phone line 866-708-FERT (3378). The Patient Navigator is responsible for taking these calls and helping patients across the country navigate through treatment.

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Social Workers:
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is trained to help individuals deal with a variety of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. A social worker usually has a Master's Degree in social work and has studied sociology, growth and development, mental health theory and practice, human behavior/social environment, psychology, and research methods. A LCSW is looking at the patient as a whole and can be a front line contact for a patient. Each patient needs an individualized consultation to determine the best and most mature technology available in their unique circumstances and according to their informed choice. To refer a patient for a fertility preservation consultation, call the FERTline at 312-503-FERT or 866-708-FERT and print out this flyer to give to your patient.

 

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Reproductive Endocrinologists:
These highly trained and qualified physicians treat reproductive disorders that affect patients of all ages. Reproductive Endocrinologists (REI) play a crucial role in fertility preservation among newly diagnosed cancer patients. The REIs conduct individualized consultations to determine the best and most mature technology available for a patient and their unique circumstances. A REI can offer the following services:

  • Embryo cryopreservation
  • Oocyte cryopreservation
  • Sperm cryopreservation
  • Ovarian Tissue cryopreservation
  • Testicular Tissue cryopreservation

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Nurses
The practice of oncology nursing encompasses the roles of direct caregiver, education, consultant, administrator, and researcher. Oncology nursing extends to all care delivery settings where patients experiencing or at risk for developing cancer receive health care, education, and counseling for all issues surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Oncology Nurse plays a vital role in helping a newly diagnosed cancer patient explore fertility options. Many times, the nurse is the first person to discuess fertility with a patient. With an interdisciplinary approach, the nurse can help explain fertility preservation and most importantly, direct a patient where to find more information.

Each patient needs an individualized consultation to determine the best and most mature technology available in their unique circumstances and according to their informed choice. To refer a patient for a fertility preservation consultation, call the FERTline at 312-503-FERT or 866-708-FERT and print out this flyer to give to your patient.

The Oncofertility Consortium® also offers educational information for nurses, such as a Virtual Grand Rounds on pediatric and young adult survivorship issues.

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Oncologists
According to guidelines developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO, 2006), fertility preservation options should be addressed by oncologists and physicians as part of standard care for patients who are in their reproductive years. These patients, whose disease or its treatment may impair fertility or cause early menopause are at risk for loss of fertility, include:

  • Patients with rheumatologic diseases such as lupus, RA, ulcerative colitis
  • Patients with genetic mutations that lead to loss of fertility or early menopause, such as Turners, fragile X carriers
  • Patients undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplants
  • Patients who carry a mutation associated with certain types of cancer (special case)
  • Cancer patients

Each patient needs an individualized consultation to determine the best and most mature technology available in their unique circumstances and according to their informed choice. To refer a patient for a fertility preservation consultation, call the FERTline at 312-503-FERT or 866-708-FERT and print out this flyer to give to your patients.

Billing Information

ASRM and ASCO guidelines

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