Is Infertility Linked to Cancer? What You Need to Know This World Cancer Day 2025
Infertility and cancer may appear unconnected; yet, new studies have revealed potential correlations that merit exploration.
World Cancer Day 2025’s theme is “United by Unique.” The CIFAR IVF Centre understands the value of each and every patient’s cancer treatment, and the subject stresses the need to put patients first in IVF treatment who are looking for pregnancy after cancer treatment by recognising that every diagnosis is accompanied by a unique human story.
At CIFAR IVF CENTRE, we focus on personal, compassionate, and empathic approaches aimed at enhancing pregnancy outcomes for cancer patients.
Let’s look at the relationship between infertility and cancer and what it means for your health and how you can preserve your fertility.
1. Hormonal Factors and Cancer Risk
At times, hormonal abnormalities may contribute to both malignancies and infertility including:
Breast cancer: Common in various reproductive disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), long-term oestrogen exposure may raise risk.
Endometrial Cancer- Women with irregular ovulation cycles—often connected to infertility—may be more likely to develop endometrial cancer.
2. Infertility Treatments and Cancer
Fertility treatments, like drugs that make you ovulate and IVF, have been looked at in terms of how they might affect your risk of getting cancer.
Most of the research shows:
- Standard fertility treatments don’t seem to raise the chance of breast or ovarian cancer by a large amount.
- A little higher risk for women who already have risk factors or genetic traits that make them more likely to get cancer. Dr. Puneet Rana Says, Hormones are used in fertility treatments, but research has shown that they do not raise the risk of getting cancer.
3. Male Infertility and Cancer
Male infertility can signal underlying health issues, including:
- Increased risk of testicular and prostate cancer. Researchers found that men who have male factor infertility may have a high risk of getting high-grade prostate cancer later on.
- Genetic conditions linked to infertility that may also predispose men to cancer.
Male infertility is a prevalent condition impacting at least 30 million men globally, as indicated by additional studies and publications. The rising proportion of males with subpar sperm quality correlates with a markedly diminished overall health status at the bottom end of the reproductive spectrum.
4. Common Risk Factors
Infertility and cancer may have similar risk factors:
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking, obesity, and a poor diet all raise the risk of developing these illnesses.
- Genetics: The BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, can also impact fertility.
Oncofertility: Preserving Fertility During Cancer Treatment
Recent years have seen an increasing focus on preventing the loss of reproductive efficacy in young men and women due to cancer or its treatments. Oncofertility preservation refers to the methods used by Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, an oncofertility specialist in North India, to enable cancer survivors to reproduce and conceive.
- Advancements in oncofertility offer hope for cancer patients:
- Egg or sperm freezing can be offered safely before treatment.
- Specialized IVF protocols before and after treatment of cancer to enhance the chances of pregnancy.
Consult Dr. Puneet Rana Arora to preserve your fertility.
Under Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, Director and Founder of CIFAR IVF Centre, proper advice is provided, your health is assessed, treatment options are explained, and you are helped to make an informed decision that aligns with your desires and medical situation.
Dr. Puneet recognizes the unique health concerns of every patient navigating pregnancy. At CIFAR IVF Centre, individuals find a supportive environment to share their stories, draw inspiration from their community, and learn from others who have faced similar challenges.
At last;
Individuals experiencing infertility must be aware of their cancer risks and prioritize regular testing. Prompt diagnosis and preventive strategies are crucial for enhancing health outcomes.
Consult IVF specialists in reproductive health and oncology for a comprehensive assessment. Awareness and timely intervention can facilitate change.
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