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Published on: October 14, 2015
Breast cancer and fertility
1Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jlitton@mdanderson.org
Current Treatment Options in Oncology
|March 8, 2012
Summary
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) show no significant increase in breast cancer risk. However, a potential link to borderline ovarian and uterine cancers exists, and fertility preservation is crucial for breast cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and oncology.
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) utilize medications that can increase estrogen levels.
- Concerns exist regarding a potential increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers with ART use.
- Breast cancer diagnosis during reproductive years raises significant fertility concerns for survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between ART and the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
- To assess the impact of subsequent pregnancies on breast cancer survivors' outcomes.
- To inform fertility preservation strategies for women undergoing cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current available data and scientific literature.
- Analysis of cancer risk in relation to ART.
- Comparison of survival rates for breast cancer survivors with and without subsequent pregnancies.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk was found with ART.
- Some studies suggest a possible increased risk of borderline ovarian and uterine cancers with ART.
- Subsequent pregnancies in breast cancer survivors do not appear to increase mortality risk, with a potential benefit to waiting 2 years post-diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- ART use is not definitively linked to increased breast cancer risk.
- Further research is needed on ART's association with borderline ovarian and uterine cancers.
- Fertility preservation counseling and referral are recommended for breast cancer patients, especially when systemic therapy is indicated.
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