As young people increasingly get cancer, new fertility options change their futures

Four years after her wedding, Jenilee Crowley was eager to start a family. However, her plans were disrupted when the 38-year-old discovered a lump in her breast.

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are known for their numerous side effects, such as hormonal changes and potential organ damage, which can jeopardize fertility.

In 2022, Crowley received a stage one breast cancer diagnosis but discovered she had choices. To eliminate the cancer, she underwent a double mastectomy and then began hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Following guidance from her medical team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Crowley temporarily halted her treatment to freeze embryos and attempt to have a child. Her son, Archer, is currently four months old.