Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, DR ROLAND CHIENG of Virtus Fertility Centre in Singapore discusses the link between cancer treatment and fertility – and how options such as egg freezing could help patients safeguard their reproductive future.
Wondering whether cancer can affect fertility? The short answer is yes, but perhaps not in the way you might think. According to Dr Roland Chieng, medical director at Virtus Fertility Centre, tumours in reproductive organs like the ovaries, testes, uterus or prostate can directly impair reproductive functions. The stress of a cancer diagnosis can also affect libido and sexuality. However, it is often cancer treatment, rather than the cancer itself, that poses a greater risk to fertility.

Dr Chieng explains that chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can affect sperm and egg production and quality. Similarly, radiation therapy, primarily when directed at or near reproductive organs, can damage their tissues and affect fertility. “The treatment of cancer includes therapies that are toxic to gamete production. Gonadotoxic therapy is one example. These agents could affect sperm production as well as reduce ovary reserves in some cases,” he adds.
Considering fertility preservation before cancer treatment
It is understandable for someone to feel overwhelmed at the time of diagnosis, with fertility preservation being the last thing on their mind. However, Dr Chieng encourages cancer patients who are looking forward to starting a family to explore their fertility preservation options early.
Luckily, there are plenty of fertility preservation options at fertility centres in Singapore for both newly diagnosed or long-term survivors. “For men, sperm cryopreservation before chemotherapy is available since both chemo and radiotherapy can affect sperm production,” says Dr Chieng. “Itʼs crucial to collect sperm before cancer treatment. That’s because once you begin either of these treatments, the sperm may already carry genetic damage. That makes it too late to collect and preserve your sperm.”
For women, Dr Chieng explains, options include egg cryopreservation or egg freezing, embryo cryopreservation and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, each suited to different patient needs.
“Egg cryopreservation is suited for single women. If the person is married, I would recommend embryo cryopreservation. The embryos can be stored, frozen and thawed very well. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation would be best considered if the cancer treatment has to start immediately. However, this requires a laparoscopic operation to retrieve the ovarian tissue for preservation. Meanwhile, egg freezing is when a femaleʼs eggs are retrieved, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored for future use.”
Dr Chieng notes that success rates are never 100 percent and can vary depending on egg quality, ovarian reserve and age. However, fertility preservation options help to increase the likelihood of a cancer patient becoming a parent compared to those who undergo cancer treatment without fertility preservation.
Conceiving after cancer treatment
Good news: Conceiving after cancer treatment is possible, especially if the patient achieves complete remission. Dr Chieng explains, “Pregnancy post-treatment typically does not complicate matters if the patientʼs health is stable and if the cancer surgery has not removed part or all of the reproductive system. There are usually no health implications if a patient becomes pregnant during or after cancer treatment ends.”
Navigating fertility preservation amidst a cancer diagnosis and treatment is certainly no easy feat. However, Dr Chieng believes that understanding the preservation options available at your fertility centre in Singapore is key to allowing the patient and their partner to make informed decisions to safeguard their reproductive future.
Virtus Fertility Centre
#09-01-05 Scotts Medical Center, Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road
6460 4555 | virtusfertilitycentre.com.sg
This article about egg freezing and fertility preservation at Virtus Fertility Centre in Singapore first appeared in the February 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!