A 12-year-old girl diagnosed with cancer has undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation to increase her chances of having children when she becomes an adult.

Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, Emily Smethill’s treatment is significant because it is the first time onco-fertility services will be available within the public system.

It follows the opening last month of the Fertility and Research Centre based at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney.

Currently ovarian tissue cryopreservation, which includes laparoscopy, can cost the parents of pre-pubescent girls undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy thousands of dollars.