IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is a complex process in which a human embryo is formed in a laboratory using an egg and sperm. During the IVF process, women may receive large doses of the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
IVF and future breast cancer risk
Many studies have investigated the relationship between in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and the development of breast cancer. These investigations indicate no definitive evidence that IVF treatment elevates the risk of breast cancer in individuals with average risk, despite the administration of high-dose hormonal therapies during the procedure.
The combined analyses of large numbers of studies, in 2022, which included 25 studies and 617,479 participants (Fertility treatment and breast-cancer incidence: meta-analysis, BJS, Cullinane et al) showed no clear association between IVF treatment and an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
For women who are deemed to be at elevated risk for breast cancer owing to a familial history of the disease or carrier status of breast cancer genes, more rigorous surveillance protocols may be warranted if they need IVF treatment.
The role of IVF in the treatment of breast cancer
In cases where breast cancer occurs in a premenopausal woman who has not completed her family, breast cancer treatment can often result in loss of fertility. IVF techniques assist in fertility preservation.
- IVF techniques can be utilised to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. The eggs or embryos are frozen and preserved and may be utilised in the future for an IVF pregnancy.
- IVF can assist with fertility in situations where a woman’s fertility has been reduced due to the impact of breast cancer treatments.
As with all medical concerns, circumstances can differ for each individual, and each case should be discussed with the treating specialist team.
Related Articles
You may also find these articles from Mr Justin James helpful:
- Is HRT Safe? Understanding the Breast Cancer Risk — How female hormones relate to breast cancer risk.
- Understanding Breast Density: What Your Mammogram Means — How mammogram results relate to your breast cancer risk.
- Can Some Breast Cancer Patients Safely Avoid Lymph Node Surgery? — Research on personalised breast cancer treatment.
Further information: Fertility and breast cancer treatment — Breast Cancer Network Australia
