JAMA Netw Open

Cancer risk after fertility treatment largely mirrors general population

March 17, 2026

In a population-based Australian cohort of nearly 418,000 women exposed to medically assisted reproduction (MAR), overall invasive cancer incidence was comparable with that of the general population over a median 9 to 12 years of follow-up. Rates were similar after assisted reproductive technology and intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation, and slightly higher after clomiphene citrate use. Across MAR types, uterine cancer and melanoma incidence were elevated, while cervical and lung cancer incidence were lower. Ovarian cancer incidence was higher after assisted reproductive technology and intrauterine insemination, and in situ breast cancer incidence was higher after assisted reproductive technology; invasive breast cancer incidence was not elevated. Absolute excess risks were small.

Clinical takeaway: When counseling patients considering or with prior MAR exposure, emphasize that overall cancer risk appears similar to the general population, with small absolute increases for select cancers that may inform long-term screening discussions.

Source:

Vajdic CM, et al. (2026, March 2). JAMA Netw Open. Cancer Incidence in Women After Medically Assisted Reproduction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41805952/