The seasons in our lives closely mirror those in the physical world. Each of us begin as babies, then children, then move into teenage years and then, after a time as young adults, we typically look at parenthood and family building.

This year, Advocacy Day was a day that made history. “The Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act” was introduced to Capitol Hill. Written and proposed by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT03) and Senator Cory A. Booker (NJ), this bill will ensure that most health plans will provide coverage for treatment for infertility and that fertility preservation services will be provided when medically necessary.

Some of the most emotionally difficult conversations I have in my office on a weekly basis are those with patients who are diagnosed with cancer and come to me for fertility preservation. There is a psychological “double blow” hitting them all at once: not only is their cancer itself scary, but they are also worried that they will not be able to have children afterwards because chemotherapy and radiation – while life saving – can damage their sperm and eggs. Fertility preservation is a paramount concern for both men and women faced with cancer treatments. This is why it is important to tackle these difficult issues even in younger patients who are not planning to have children until the distant future. Cancer patients are understandably focused on their treatments, but fertility preservation should not be overlooked. Here are some common misconceptions and insights that often surprise patients and even some of my medical colleagues.