Cancer Risk for Mothers and Babies After ART

Abstract

There is marked uncertainty regarding the risk of cancer for mothers and babies after exposure to assisted reproductive technologies (ART). ART exposes women to high doses of endogenous steroid hormones. This exposure is a continuing source of concern for patients and the medical profession, primarily because of the potential carcinogenic effects on hormone responsive tissues such as the breast, the endometrium and the ovary. Similar concerns have been expressed regarding fetal exposure to exogenous hormones, as well as potential carcinogenic effects on eggs, sperm and embryos through epigenetic changes. In this presentation the latest epidemiological evidence on the site-specific and overall risk of cancer in mothers and babies exposed to ART will be synthesised. The evidence in relation to different treatment modalities and potential confounding factors will also be reviewed. Additionally, an overview of current NHMRC-funded studies that will add to this evidence base will be presented.