In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a popular assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help infertile couples conceive.

The procedure involves collecting eggs and sperm, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and transferring the resulting embryos into the woman’s uterus. Since the first successful IVF procedure in 1978, millions of couples have used the treatment to start families.

However, despite its widespread use, some concerns have been raised about the potential long-term health effects of IVF, particularly regarding the risk of cancer in children conceived via the procedure.

The Link Between IVF and Childhood Cancer

Several studies have investigated the potential link between IVF and childhood cancer.

While some studies have found a slight increase in cancer risk among IVF-conceived children, others have found no significant difference in cancer rates between IVF and naturally-conceived children. However, it is worth noting that most of these studies have been small and have had conflicting results, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

One of the most comprehensive studies on the subject was carried out by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

This large-scale study analyzed the cancer rates of over 2.6 million children born in Sweden between 1982 and 2015, including 97,000 children who were conceived via IVF or other ARTs. The results showed that children conceived via ART had a slightly higher risk of cancer than naturally-conceived children, with a 19% increased risk of any type of cancer.

However, when the researchers looked specifically at solid tumors (such as those found in the brain, kidney, and liver) they found no significant difference in cancer rates between IVF and non-IVF children.

Another large-scale study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), analyzed data from over a million children born in the United States between 2004 and 2013.

The study found no significant difference in cancer rates between children conceived via IVF and naturally-conceived children. However, the study did find a slightly increased risk of certain types of blood cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma) among IVF-conceived children, although the overall lifetime risk of these cancers remained low.

The Possible Causes of Increased Cancer Risk

It is not yet clear why IVF-conceived children may be at a slightly increased risk of cancer. One theory is that the IVF process itself could be a contributing factor.

For example, some studies have suggested that the hormonal treatments used to stimulate egg production and promote embryo implantation could affect the developing embryo’s DNA and increase the risk of mutations that could lead to cancer.

Another theory is that the increased cancer risk may be due to factors that are associated with infertility itself, rather than with IVF specifically.

For example, couples who seek IVF may have a higher overall risk of genetic mutations or other underlying health conditions that could increase the risk of cancer in their children.

Minimizing the Risk

Despite the potential increased risk of cancer, it is important to note that the overall lifetime risk of cancer in IVF-conceived children is still very low.

In fact, the vast majority of children conceived via IVF are healthy and have no increased risk of cancer or other health problems.

However, there are some steps that couples can take to minimize the potential risk of cancer in their IVF-conceived children.

For example, some clinics now offer “mild” IVF protocols that use lower doses of hormones and fewer eggs to produce fewer embryos. This may help to reduce the risk of DNA mutations and other potential health problems in the developing embryos.

Couples can also consult with a genetic counselor before undergoing IVF to discuss their risk of passing on genetic mutations or other conditions that could increase the risk of cancer in their children.

By carefully selecting the best quality embryos and screening out those with genetic abnormalities, couples can further reduce the risk of health problems in their future children.

Conclusion

While some studies have suggested a slight increase in cancer risk among IVF-conceived children, the overall risk of cancer remains very low.

Couples who are considering IVF should consult with their doctor and a genetic counselor to discuss their individual risk factors and options for reducing the potential risk of health problems in their future children.