October is Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, which often sparks concern for reproductive cancers as
well. There has been some debate about the use of ovulation-inducing drugs and
any significant correlation with ovarian cancer. Fortunately, recent data has
been very reassuring.
Below is a
summary of 10 studies, with the most recent study done in 2009. The data
concludes that fertility drugs, even when used for prolonged periods, are not
associated with an increase in ovarian cancer. For additional studies and information, visit our website: http://www.cincinnatifertility.com/infertility-treatment/ovulation-drugs/cancer-risks.
54,362 women with infertility problems referred to all Danish fertility clinics during 1963-98. The
median age at first evaluation of infertility was 30 years (range 16-55 years), and the median age at the end of
follow-up was 47 (range 18-81) years. Included in the analysis were
156 women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer
(cases) and 1241 sub-cohort
members identified in the cohort during follow-up in 2006.
Analyses within cohort showed no overall
increased risk of ovarian cancer after any use of
gonadotrophins, clomifene, human chorionic gonadotrophin, or gonadotrophin
releasing hormone. Furthermore, no associations were found between
all four groups of fertility
drugs and number of cycles of
use, length of follow-up, or parity.
Conclusion: No convincing association was
found between use of fertility drugs and an increased risk of
ovarian cancer.
