Ovarian cancer and fertility medications: a critical appraisal.

Overview

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the Western world. Infertility and nulliparity are independent risk factors for this disease. The possible link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer remains controversial. Despite concern regarding increasing use of fertility therapy, the incidence of ovarian cancer in the Western world has remained stable for several decades. Evaluation of the literature requires assessment of the validity, importance, and applicability of the study to your particular patient. The following article demonstrates how to conduct such an assessment. The data to date do not support a causal relationship between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer. In fact, infertility therapy may confer protection for those patients who conceive. Further prospective, long-term data are needed to further delineate this relationship.