Breast Cancer Risks and Fertility Drugs

Breast cancer risks are researched extensively. There have long been concerns as to whether or not hormonal drugs used for fertility treatment had a connection to the increased risk for breast cancer. According to recent ABC news story a new study suggests that the effect on the risk is heavily dependent upon whether or not the woman becomes pregnant. Previous studies making an effort to specifically identify the associated risk with fertility drugs and breast cancer have varied greatly in their conclusions. While some found an actual reduction in cancer risk, others found an increased risk. And then there were some that found no connection at all.

Breast Cancer Risk and Fertility Drugs  Studied

But researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered that it did appear that the drugs reduce the risk for breast cancer in young women, the risk was increased once they became pregnant. Researchers analyzed results that came from pairs of sisters the together total more than 1400 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer prior to turning 50 years old, and more than 1600 of their sisters who never had breast cancer. At of these groups of women, 288 had used fertility drugs which stimulated ovulation, clomiphene citrate and follicle-stimulating hormone, at some point; 141 women reported a pregnancy lasting 10 weeks or more after taking the drugs. The study concluded that women who took the drug but never achieved a pregnancy had a minimally reduced risk of developing breast cancer prior to the age of 50. The women who took the drugs and actually became pregnant for 10 weeks or more had a minimally increased risk; however, the risk when identified was not much different than the risk for women who never took any fertility drugs at all. The study will be published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Breast health and the prevention and treatment of breast cancer remain at the forefront of scientific research.

Breast Cancer Treatment at Newport Plastic Surgery

          Dr. Seify participates in clinical trials as well as research to help patients enjoy a quality life after breast cancer diagnosis. As an ASPS board certified breast reconstruction plastic surgeon who closely works with a team of medical professionals ranging from oncologist to radiologist, Dr. Seify is committed to helping patients make informed decisions regarding their breast cancer diagnosis and breast reconstruction options. For many patients this process starts immediately upon breast cancer diagnosis. In most cases this is the best case scenario in that it allows the patient time to process the abundance of information and make better informed decisions. However, breast reconstruction as an option can be chosen most anytime following breast cancer surgery. Dr. Seify encourages patients who have a breast cancer diagnosis to schedule a consultation to discuss the many breast reconstruction options available.