Infertility and Cancer Risk

There is new evidence to suggest that women who have a history of infertility may be at increased risk for several types of female cancers. Are the treatments the source of the problem?

This study looks at something called the women's health initiative, which has a database of more than 160,000 women. It found those with infertility are more likely to get breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Leah Stein is perhaps one of those women at risk. "I tried using clomid, pills you take and it induces ovulation, I tried those with some inseminations and I didn't get pregnant. Then I tried injectable medications." recalls Leah. Leah tried for over four years to get pregnant, and finally did with the help of in-vitro fertilization. But does her biological make-up--or her history of using fertilization medications--put her at risk for several types of gynecological cancers?

Now, the latest findings out of a Canadian medical conference show that women with at least one year history of infertility are at significantly elevated risk of developing so called hormonal cancers…cancers affected by the female hormones. Compared to women with no history of infertility, those with the problem were at a 14% higher risk of developing breast cancer, 20% more likely to develop uterine, or endometrial cancer, and nearly 40% more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Dr. Frederick Licciardi, an infertility specialist at NYU Medical School, says, "Is there something protective about having a child? That question hasn't been answered yet." These women who said they spent at least a year trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant also had an increased risk for getting all cancers. Whether infertility itself or medications used to treat infertility contribute to cancer risk is unknown. The question is does this change the way infertility medications should be used? "There have been a number of very good studies one especially out of Australia." states Dr, Licciardi. "As far as the fertility medications are concerned there's no good evidence to show that they are related to an increased risk of getting cancer."

The other issue is whether this changes the degree to which women with infertility issues should be screened for these gynecological cancers. "So I think all patients should have monitoring meaning frequent exams maybe yearly. And they should get ultrasounds." recommends Dr. Licciardi. Leah doesn't worry about her cancer risk, regardless of the cause. She gets exams, but focuses on more important things these days. "Everyone who's had a child knows how much of a difference it makes in your life." says Leah.

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