Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should fertility decisions. Yet a troubling gap exists in how we handle both together.
The numbers tell the story: 80,000 young adults get cancer diagnoses in the U.S. each year. Fewer than half say their oncologist talked to them about preserving their fertility. Once treatment starts, it’s usually too late to freeze eggs or sperm.
Maven Clinic’s new program tackles this timing problem head-on. It builds fertility risk assessment right into regular cancer care workflows.
How does it work?
The program starts with employers and health plans. When someone gets a cancer diagnosis, fertility preservation becomes part of the standard care conversation – not an afterthought.
Instead of hoping doctors remember to bring it up, the system automatically flags when fertility discussions need to happen. This gives patients the chance to make informed choices before treatment begins.
The integration means cancer teams and fertility specialists work together from day one, not as separate silos.
Why does it matter?
This silence around fertility can destroy futures. Cancer treatment often damages reproductive systems. Without early intervention, patients may lose the chance to have biological children later.
“As cancer survival rates continue to improve, quality of life after treatment matters more than ever,” said Kate Ryder, Maven Clinic’s Founder and CEO. The focus shifts from just surviving cancer to living fully afterward.
For companies, this makes financial sense too. It combines two of healthcare’s most expensive and complex areas – oncology and fertility – into one coordinated approach.
The context
Young adult cancer rates have been climbing. Better treatments mean more survivors. But surviving cancer is just the first step.
Fertility benefits have become major recruiting tools for employers. Cancer support programs are growing too. This program connects both needs at the exact moment when timing matters most.
The employer-focused rollout makes sense. Companies already struggle with cancer-related healthcare costs. Adding fertility preservation upfront may actually reduce long-term expenses while dramatically improving employee outcomes.