On February 4, World Cancer Day, we are making a special appeal for open dialogue and education regarding cancer treatment.

One topic that remains on the margins of public debate and the healthcare system is oncofertility.

Already during the “Knowledge, Awareness, Life” conference, held on February 12, 2024, at the Sejm of the Republic of Poland in Warsaw, the President of the OliEdu Foundation, Ewa Daros, emphasized the immense importance of education in this area:

“Oncofertility is the preservation of fertility in cancer patients. The message should be very simple—it is possible to become a parent despite having cancer.”

The public still knows too little

The statistics are alarming. According to the National Cancer Registry, 1.17 million Poles are living with cancer, and the number of new cases among people under 40 is steadily rising. Every year, nearly 8,000 young people receive a cancer diagnosis—often at a time when they have not yet had the chance to fulfill their plans for parenthood.

A lack of knowledge about options for preserving fertility before cancer treatment poses real risks:

  • loss of the opportunity for biological parenthood,
  • a reduced quality of life after treatment is completed,
  • and an additional psychological burden on patients and their families.

Despite advances in medicine, public and systemic awareness still lags behind.

Education Saves the Future

Patients very often learn about fertility preservation during cancer treatment from the Internet or from friends, rather than from medical staff. This is a clear signal that broad, well-planned health education campaigns are needed, targeting patients, doctors, and the general public alike.

The OliEdu Foundation has years of experience in carrying out such campaigns—based on reliable knowledge, collaboration with experts, and the real needs of patients. We know that education offers choice, and choice offers hope.

On World Cancer Day, we remind you:

treatment isn’t everything. Equally important is patients’ future—their dreams, plans, and the right to parenthood.