Cancerbackup: Q-656

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Alison

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I am a 35 year old woman and am planning to have treatment for infertility. This will include the use of fertility drugs. Can fertility drugs increase my risk of developing breast cancer in later life?

The hormones used in the treatment of infertility do often stimulate the tissues of the breast. This has led doctors and scientists to wonder whether such treatment could cause breast cancer. Because of this, a number of studies have been carried out looking at the frequency of breast cancer in women who have had fertility treatment compared to women of a similar age who have not had these hormones. Happily most of these studies have not shown any increase in the risk of developing breast cancer as a result of having infertility treatment, although one study noted that there may be a slight increase in the first year after treatment.

If you are worried that your fertility treatment may increase your risk of developing breast cancer it might be helpful to discuss your concerns with the doctors giving you the fertility treatment.


Content last reviewed: 01 June 2004
Page last modified: 14 June 2006

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