IVF and cancer risk: overall rates similar, but small increases for some cancers
A large Australian study of 417,984 women who received fertility treatments (IVF, insemination, or clomiphene citrate) found the overall cancer rate was similar to the general population. However, clomiphene citrate users had a 1.04× higher cancer rate (~8.6 extra cancers per 100,000 women per year), and rates of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer (except for clomiphene users), and melanoma were 1.07–1.83× higher. Conversely, cervical and lung cancers were 1.43–1.92× lower. The study cannot establish causation and likely reflects underlying risk factors (eg, endometriosis, ethnicity, smoking) and screening practices, with absolute cancer numbers remaining small. Routine cancer screening remains important for anyone undergoing fertility treatment.
- Is cancer more common in women after IVF? The Conversation
- Major Study Finds IVF Not Linked to Cancer Risk, But There's a Catch ScienceAlert
- Some Cancers May Be Slightly Elevated in Women Who've Had Fertility Treatment MedPage Today
- Post-Fertility Treatment, Cancer Incidence Varies by Type Medscape
- Women Who Have Had Fertility Treatment Have a "Slightly Different Cancer Profile" Technology Networks
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