February 5, 2009

expert comment on research suggesting that fertility drugs do not increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as published in the BMJ

Prof Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College London, said:

“This large scale study supports previous research that found that overall there is no increased risk of developing ovarian cancer amongst women receiving fertility treatment. The researchers point out that longer follow up is required for a more definitive answer. This will be a huge relief to many women who have undergone fertility treatment.

“Currently, very little is known about the causes of ovarian cancer other than a relationship to ovulation, increased risk with age, a genetic predisposition in families with a history of breast and ovarian cancer, and being overweight all being important factors. Further research into the causes and treatments of the disease is vital if we are going to move towards improving survival rates for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.”