QuestionDear Dr. Ramirez, Thank you very much for your time.
My question is concerning the risk of recurrence with ivf. Was diagnosed at age 39 with DCIS in 2000, ER+, PR+, (Her less than 10%) and micronivasion 0.5 mm. Had lumpectomy and radiation. Yearly Mammograms all fine.
3 years ago started donor ivf (was 48 by then), have done 4 cycles so far, all mc. I am about to try the fifth and last one.
I am getting more and more concerned about the risk of recurrence, given the causal correlation established between Estrogen and bc. Researching the net,I found studies suggesting no higher risk for bd and ivf, but I feel I do not fit in any of those studies, because of my age and because of my history of bc.
So my question is, are you in the know of studies or data looking at the over 40 age range in ivf and how does the history of bc fit in this picture ? Thank you very, very much, I am supposed to start estrogens in a few days. Thank you again and I am writing from Washington, DC.
AnswerHello Gilna from the U.S.,
I recently did a literature search and discussed this very subject with colleagues of mine at Stanford University because I had a 27 years old who had breast cancer. My investigation found that there is no correlation between IVF and breast cancer, even in estrogen receptor positive patients. This is probably because the stimulation is for only a short period and not prolonged as in hormone replacement therapy or natural ovarian function. So I told this to my patient, and tell you also that you should not be concerned that the IVF will cause recurrence or worsening of your breast cancer. In fact, pregnancy has been shown to decrease the incidence of breast cancer so achieving a pregnancy might be a good thing, of course in addition to having a baby.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
