Cancer treatment is the most frequent cause of reduced fertility in cancer patients, with up to 80% of survivors affected. None of the established or experimental fertility preservation methods can assure parenthood; instead it may provide a future opportunity to overcome treatment induced sterility. Previous research demonstrated that fertility counselling has clinical and psychological benefit. Therefore, such patient services are recommended by internationally recognized guidelines. Around 70-75% of young cancer survivors in retrospective studies are reported to desire parenthood but the numbers of patients who use fertility preservation services prior treatment are significantly lower. Moreover, despite existing guidelines healthcare professionals worldwide lack practical knowledge and have personal biases which prevent addressing fertility preservation issues adequately. Surveys of healthcare professionals report the following barriers: lack of time and knowledge about existing options, poor prognosis, and delay in treatment, patient's age, partnership status, existing children, sexual orientation and socioeconomic situation. Moreover, fertility preservation consultation is not limited to medical aspects. Patient's fears, expectations and priorities shaped by personal values have to be addressed in a light of medical necessities, realistic survival prognosis, socio-cultural environment and availability of resources. We call for a need of framework for patient centred fertility counselling with a proposal that such framework should include support in decision making which would help patients to understand medical aspects of their cancer, realistic fertility preservation options, identify their preferences based on personal values and goals. Optional support services could also include legal guidance, psychological and spiritual support and financial counselling.

(1) Background: Current scientific evidence suggests that most cancers, including breast cancer, can be treated during pregnancy without compromising maternal and fetal outcomes. This, however, raises questions regarding the ethical implications of clinical care. (2) Methods: Using a systematic literature search, 32 clinical practice guidelines for cancer treatment during pregnancy published between 2002 and 2021 were selected for analysis and 25 of them mentioned or made references to medical ethics when offering clinical management guidance for clinicians. (3) Results: Four bioethical themes were identified: respect for patient’s autonomy, balanced approach to maternal and fetal beneficence, protection of the vulnerable and justice in resource allocation. Most guidelines recommended informing the pregnant patient about available evidence-based treatment options, offering counselling and support in the process of decision making. The relational aspect of a pregnant patient’s autonomy was also recognized and endorsed in a significant number of available guidelines. (4) Conclusions: Recognition and support of a patient’s autonomy and its relational aspects should remain an integral part of future clinical practice guidelines. Nevertheless, a more structured approach is needed when addressing existing and potential ethical issues in clinical practice guidelines for cancer treatment during pregnancy.

Oocyte cryopreservation is gaining popularity among healthy reproductive age women. However, despite promised benefits it also involves risks that are not always properly communicated in commercialized settings. ECM offers clinicians a tool for structured ethical analysis taking into consideration a wide range of implications, various ethical standpoints, and patients' perceptions and beliefs.