Table 1.

Key Points

Data on the association between use of fertility medications and cancer are limited and come principally from observational cohort and case-control studies with several methodological issues. While infertility per se is a risk factor for a number of female cancers including breast, endometrial and invasive ovarian cancer, there are insufficient data to suggest a meaningful association between fertility medication use and these cancers. Several studies have suggested a small increased risk of developing borderline ovarian cancer; however, the absolute increased risk is small and these indolent tumors have a favorable prognosis. There is insufficient evidence to suggest an association between fertility medication use and cancers of the cervix, thyroid and colon or melanoma. Additional studies with longer follow-up are needed to determine whether unique subgroups of women are at increased risk of developing cancer following fertility treatment.