Breast cancer and in vitro fertilization. About 32 cases.

Abstract Because of the increased risk of breast cancer for infertile nulliparous women, the suspected promoter role of estradiol in mammary carcinogenesis and the high frequency of ovulation inducer treatments, it was interesting to focus on the risk of breast cancer after such a treatment. We reviewed 32 cases during a retrospective survey in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) centers in France. Because of the small sample size and the few cases published so far, no statistical study could be made. However, many observations may have gone unnoticed or were not published. Two hypotheses can be proposed: (1) the facilitating role of stimulation on potential infra-clinical or un-diagnosed cancers; (2) the initiation of new cancers. Consequently, we propose to establish a register for the follow-up of treated women to monitor the advent of new cancers and to increase the follow-up of patients with other associated risk factors.