The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine
The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine
Art as a Translational Tool in Oncofertility: Enhancing Communication About Infertility and Fertility Preservation Options in Reproductive Cancers
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Background: Reproductive cancers and their treatments often compromise fertility, affecting survivors’ quality of life. Oncofertility, combining oncology and reproductive medicine, aims to preserve the ability to have biological children after fertility-threatening treatments. Effectively communicating these concepts to the public can be challenging. Arts-based science communication (ABSC), using art as a translational tool for scientific information, offers a promising approach to improve understanding and engagement.
Objectives: This paper examines how artistic interventions can enhance communication about fertility preservation for the public and how visual metaphors can effectively simplify complex scientific concepts.
Methods: An ABSC intervention was implemented through the exhibition A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond at the Gallery of ARTFul Medicine, developed with The Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein. Suzanne Anker, after visiting the embryology laboratory at Montefiore’s Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, produced digital collages with embryonic imagery and botanical motifs, and 3D-printed sculptures. The works were displayed in Montefiore Medical Center’s Tower One lobby. Visitor engagement was assessed quantitatively, using daily attendance and media reach.
Results: Visitors engaged with and understood the visual metaphor of perennial plants illustrating fertility preservation. The exhibition reached over 2,000 daily visitors (during 3 months), with 65% being medical professionals. Media coverage included BronxNet (~1 million audience), Mann Report (41,000 readers), Bloomberg Connects (5.4 million users), and international outlets.
Conclusion: Artistic interventions can effectively translate complex biomedical concepts. Integrating it into clinical and educational contexts may support informed decision-making and bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and lived experience.



