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In-Vitro Fertilization Impact on the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Review Article



Farhud DD1, 2 ; Zokaei S3 ; Keykhaei M4 ; Hedayati M5 ; Zarif Yeganeh M5
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Basic Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Public Health Published:2021

Abstract

Background: Due to the increasing prevalence of infertility, the number of referrals to infertility treatment centers has also increased. Nowadays, assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. Considering the possible consequences of this method among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and kids conceived by IVF, extensive research has been conducted in this regard. Methods: Overall, 100 articles were entered into the study, and relevant articles were searched and extracted from PubMed, Springer, and Google Scholar databases. In IVF procedure, medications such as Clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins are used to stimulate and mature follicles and thus increase ovulation. Results: There are conflicting opinions on this issue. Some findings report a slight increase in cancer risk for hormone-sensitive cancers including breast cancer. The long-term use of IVF medications can increase estrogen hormones and cause excessive expression of genes, resulting in an increased risk of breast cancer, which is one of the most frequent cancers among women. Conclusion: There are some risks to be aware of, which followed the hypothesis that long IVF treatment process may lead to breast cancer among IVF candidates. Furthermore, the risk of breast cancer may be increased in those women with a positive family history and related inherited genes. Therefore, women candidates for IVF should be informed of the probable implications of the reproductive therapy techniques. © 2021 Farhud et al.