Infertility is becoming a common concern for many couples in India today. With changing lifestyles, late marriages, stress, and health issues, many women turn to infertility treatments to fulfill their dream of becoming a mother. While these treatments bring hope, many women also worry about their long-term health. One common question is — can infertility treatments increase the risk of breast cancer?
Let us understand this topic clearly, without fear or confusion.
What Are Infertility Treatments?
Infertility treatments help women who have trouble getting pregnant. These treatments often involve hormone medicines that help the ovaries release eggs. Common treatments include:
a. Ovulation-stimulating medicines
b. Injections to increase egg production
c. IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
These treatments increase levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are important for pregnancy.
Why Is Breast Cancer Linked to Hormones?
Breast cancer is known to be hormone-sensitive. This means some breast cancers grow faster when estrogen levels are high. Because infertility treatments increase estrogen for a short time, many women worry that this could raise their breast cancer risk.
What Does Medical Research Say?
The good news is — most research studies have not found a strong link between infertility treatments and breast cancer.
a. Large studies across different countries show that women who undergo infertility treatments do not have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than other women.
b. Short-term hormone use during fertility treatment does not seem to cause breast cancer.
c. The increased hormone levels are temporary and return to normal after treatment.
However, doctors also say that every woman’s body is different, and risks can vary based on personal health history.
When Can Risk Be Slightly Higher?
In some cases, the risk may be slightly higher, but not because of the treatment alone. Factors include:
a. Family history of breast cancer
b. Genetic conditions like BRCA gene mutation
c. Starting fertility treatment at an older age
d. Having no children or late pregnancy
In such cases, the infertility itself — not the treatment — may be linked to breast cancer risk.
Is IVF Safe?
IVF is widely used and considered safe for most women. Studies show that IVF does not increase long-term breast cancer risk. Doctors carefully monitor hormone doses to avoid unnecessary exposure.
What Should Women Do Before Starting Treatment?
Before starting infertility treatment, women should:
a. Share their full family medical history with the doctor
b. Inform the doctor about any breast lumps or previous breast issues
c. Go for a basic breast check-up if advised
d. Ask questions and clear all doubts openly
Regular health monitoring makes treatments safer and stress-free.
Importance of Regular Breast Check-ups
Whether a woman takes infertility treatment or not, regular breast awareness is very important. This includes:
a. Monthly self-breast checks
b. Clinical breast examination by a doctor
c. Mammography after the age recommended by the doctor
Early detection saves lives.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
