A study of nearly 4,000 women investigated for infertility in Seattle, USA between 1974 and 1985 was reported in 1994. Eleven women had developed ovarian cancer or borderline malignancy, whereas statistically four would have been expected. Nine of the affected women had taken clomiphene (a fertility drug Q10.7). Five of these had taken the clomiphene for at least 12 months. Treatment with clomiphene for less than 12 months was not associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. Following this report The Committee on Safety of Medicines in the UK, whilst accepting that further studies were required, recommended that clomiphene should not normally be prescribed for more than six cycles. Women could take it for longer provided that they were made aware of the risks and gave their informed consent. There is evidence that the majority of women would accept a modest increase in their lifetime risk of ovarian cancer that might be associated with their fertility treatment. Several groups have reported their data on this issue. Some provide reassurance that there is no strong association between fertility drugs and subsequent of ovarian cancer. Others support the contention that there may be an increased risk. The latest research is leaning towards reassurance.



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