Clinical Report: Is MAR Associated With Hormone‐Related Cancer Risk?
Overview
A large Australian cohort study found higher observed rates of hormone-related cancers in women who underwent medically assisted reproduction (MAR), although the absolute excess risk was small. The associations may be influenced by underlying infertility-related conditions and increased medical surveillance.
Background
The relationship between medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and hormone-related cancer risk is a significant concern for clinicians and patients. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding this association.
Data Highlights
The study included 1,748,927 women aged 18 to 55 years from 1991 to 2018, with 396,661 undergoing MAR. Hazard ratios for hormone-related cancers ranged from 1.09 to 1.64.
Key Findings
- Higher observed rates of hormone-related cancers in women who underwent MAR.
- Estimated excess risk for individual invasive cancers was fewer than 20 additional cases per 100,000 treated women annually.
- Increased risks were noted in the first years following MAR, decreasing over time.
- Underlying infertility-related conditions may account for several observed associations with ovarian, uterine, and thyroid cancers.
- Increased medical surveillance may contribute to the observed associations.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware of the small excess risk of hormone-related cancers following MAR.
Conclusion
The findings indicate a small excess risk of hormone-related cancer associated with MAR.
Related Resources & Content
- Walker A.R., JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Is MAR Associated With Hormone‐Related Cancer Risk?
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- Fertility drugs and cancer: a guideline (2024) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM
- Long-term safety of assisted reproductive technologies | NICE
- https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/41/4/498/8495097?searchresult=1
- Medically Assisted Reproduction and Hormone-Related Cancers | Obstetrics and Gynecology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
- Cancer Incidence in Women After Medically Assisted Reproduction | Public Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
- An umbrella review of meta-analyses regarding the incidence of female-specific malignancies after fertility treatment - PubMed
- Ovarian-stimulating drug use and risk of ovarian tumor in infertile women: a meta-analysis - PubMed
- Breast cancer incidence after hormonal treatment for infertility: A meta-analysis of population-based studies - PMC
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