Infertility is a distressing medical problem that affects millions of women all around the globe. It is defined as a condition where a woman is unable to conceive naturally even after trying for one year or more.

While pregnancy seems like a distant dream for women who suffer from infertility, a recent study suggests that this condition may also increase the risk of developing cancer in women.

The Link: Infertility and Cancer

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a link between infertility and an increased risk of developing cancer in women.

According to this study, women who suffer from infertility are at a higher risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. The study also suggests that treatments for infertility, such as assisted reproductive technologies, may increase this risk even further.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in women. It is often known as the ‘silent killer’ as it usually goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in 78 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. The study mentioned earlier found that women who suffer from infertility are at a higher risk of developing this deadly disease.

The exact reason behind this link is not completely understood, but certain factors such as hormonal imbalances, genetic mutations, and inflammation may play a role.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

The study mentioned in this article found that women who suffer from infertility are also at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer. Hormonal imbalances may also play a role in this link, but more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms behind it.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Cancer Risk

Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), involve the use of medication to stimulate ovulation and the retrieval of eggs from the ovaries.

The retrieved eggs are then fertilized in a laboratory dish and transferred back to the uterus. While these techniques have helped countless women around the world to conceive and have healthy pregnancies, they may also increase the risk of developing cancer.

Studies have found that the use of assisted reproductive technologies may increase the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. However, more research is needed to understand the connection between these treatments and cancer risk.

Reducing the Risk of Cancer in Women with Infertility

While the link between infertility and cancer risk is concerning, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk of developing this deadly disease. Some of these steps are:.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including ovarian and breast cancer.
Quit smoking: Smoking is harmful to health and has been linked to numerous forms of cancer.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Get regular check-ups: Regular screening for cancer can help detect the disease at an early stage and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Conclusion

The link between infertility and cancer risk in women is a concerning one. While the exact reasons behind this link are not completely understood, studies have found that infertility may increase the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer.

Assisted reproductive technologies, which are commonly used to treat infertility, may also increase this risk further. Women who suffer from infertility should take steps to reduce their risk of developing cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and getting regular check-ups.