Women who undergo fertility treatment 'may be at greater risk of breast cancer
Published 18 Apr 2016
The study of nearly 45,000 women aged 40-69 found infertile females are more likely to have dense breasts, a significant risk factor for developing cancer.
Dense breasts, which can be hereditary, are described as having less fatty tissue and more gland tissue than other breasts.
The study, published in the Breast Cancer Research journal today, found breast density was more pronounced in women who had undergone controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), the hormone treatment required for IVF and some other fertility treatments.
Dr Emma Blamont, senior research officer at the charity Breast Cancer Now, added: "If confirmed, this is a link that could help women who have undergone fertility treatment better understand their risk of breast cancer.
"The next step is to identify whether it is the original infertility or the hormone treatment for it that is causing this effect.
"Further studies will be required to fully understand the link between fertility and breast density before any recommendations can be made for women.
"Importantly, the best way for women to reduce their risk of breast cancer is to maintain a healthy weight, be more physically active and reduce their alcohol intake."
Lead author Frida Lundberg said: "The results from our study indicate that infertile women, especially those who undergo COS, might represent a group with an increased breast cancer risk.
"While we believe it is important to continue monitoring these women, the observed difference in breast tissue volume is relatively small and has only been linked to a modest increase in breast cancer risk in previous studies."
Samia al Qadhi, chief executive of the charity Breast Cancer Care, described the study was a "thought-provoking early insight".
She added: "However, there is no evidence within this study to show these women will definitely go on to develop breast cancer. This area of research has a long way to go before we can find all the answers.
"The take-home message for women today is if you've had hormonal fertility treatment this does not mean you will definitely have a higher risk of breast cancer.
"The biggest risk factors for the disease remain out of our control - being female and getting older."
According to Cancer Research UK, there were 11,716 deaths from breast cancer in the UK in 2012.
The crude mortality rate shows that there are around 36 breast cancer deaths for every 100,000 women in the UK and less than one for every 100,000 men.
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