Cancer Incidence in Women After Medically Assisted Reproduction

Is the incidence of cancer in women exposed to medically assisted reproduction (MAR) higher than in the general population of women?In this cohort study with 417 984 women exposed to MAR in Australia from 1991 to 2018, the all-cancer incidence was not different to the age-, jurisdiction-, and calendar year–matched general population of women. Incidence for some hormone-sensitive cancers (uterine, ovarian) and cutaneous melanoma were higher, while incidence for cervical cancer and cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung were significantly reduced.In this study, certain cancers appeared to be slightly more common in Australian women who have used MAR, and this evidence should enhance awareness, cancer risk behavior modification (reduce adiposity, sun exposure, smoking), and clinical guidelines for follow-up care.

Corresponding Author: Claire Melissa Vajdic, PhD, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (cvajdic@kirby.unsw.edu.au).

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