Authors: Roya Rozati, Wajeeda Tabasum, Vikram Aiman Ayapati, Gautam Mehdi Ayapati, Mahnasee Banu, Rasheeda Khatoon, Kajjam Vani, Mohammed Sarosh Ahmed, Rajesh Neeluri, Anga Venkata Suresh, Abid Ali, Muhammad Siddique Ahmed Khan.
Background: Ovarian, Breast, and Endometrial cancers are linked to various risk factors, including low parity, infertility, early menarche, and late menopause.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential link between infertility and cancer in patients and to examine whether this association is due to genetic factors or the effects of treatments received.
Methodology: It is a retrospective, hospital-based study conducted at MHRI Hospital and Research Centre in Hyderabad from January 2019 to January 2024. The study included 105 women with endometrial cancer, 950 with ovarian cancer, and 60 with breast cancer, all of whom had a history of infertility were 135 patients.
Results: Our study enrolled 1,115 patients, diagnosed with ovarian (n=950), endometrial (n=105), and breast cancer (n=60). Among the cohort of Cancer patients, 135 patients reported a history of infertility, Of which 67 patients have undergone treatment with Clomiphene Citrate, ovulation induction with more than 6 cycles of which 32 (48%) conceived and 35(52%) patients did not conceive and 68 patients had undergone IVF treatment between 2-6 cycles, and of which 22 (32%) patients have successfully conceived and 46 (68%) patients did not conceive. Regarding IVF outcomes, 22 women successfully conceived following multiple cycles. This study revealed variability in reproductive outcomes, with ovulatory disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and unexplained infertility identified as the most prevalent causes of infertility.
The mean age at cancer diagnosis was 50-55 years for ovarian cancer, 44-49 years for breast cancer, and 55-60 years for endometrial cancer. Among the infertile patients, 10 had Male factor, 32 had ovulatory disorders, 33 had PCOS, 20 had Obesity, 16 had Endometriosis and 24 had unexplained infertility.
Conclusion: This study highlights the complex interplay between infertility, fertility treatments, and cancer risk. A notable proportion of ovarian cancer patients reported a history of infertility, particularly those with ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome Gynecol Reprod Health, 2025 Volume 9 | Issue 1 | 2 of 7 (PCOS), and unexplained infertility both of which may contribute to both infertility and an increased risk of cancer. While ovulation induction with Clomiphene Citrate and IVF yielded partial success in achieving pregnancy, infertility remained a persistent challenge for many, underscoring the variability in reproductive outcomes may be due to Genetic background.
The findings suggest that prolonged infertility, particularly when associated with hormonal imbalances such as those seen in PCOS and ovulatory disorders, may elevate the risk of certain malignancies. Further research is required to explore the long-term effects of fertility treatments, particularly Clomiphene Citrate, on cancer risk. Additionally, studies should investigate the mechanisms by which infertility, especially in the context of hormonal dysregulation, may contribute to carcinogenesis, particularly in ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancers.
View/Download pdf