A LONG-TERM study of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has found no increased risk of endometrial cancer, addressing concerns about the potential long-term effects of fertility treatments. The study, which followed over 30,000 females in the Netherlands for a median of 24 years, compared endometrial cancer incidence in ART-treated individuals to the general population and subfertile women who did not undergo ART.
The results found that ART did not significantly raise the risk of endometrial cancer. The standardized incidence ratio compared to the general population was 1.19 (95% CI: 0.97–1.44), while the adjusted hazard ratio compared to non-ART subfertile women was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.74–1.67). Additionally, the study found no increased risk with longer follow-up or a higher number of ART cycles.
However, independent of ART treatment, obesity and endometriosis were associated with a higher risk of endometrial cancer, while parity and oral contraceptive use were linked to a lower risk.
Despite these reassuring findings, researchers note that the median age at the end of follow-up was 56 years, meaning further studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm long-term risks. The study contributes to growing knowledge about ART’s long-term safety and provides valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers navigating fertility treatments.
Reference: Spaan M et al. Long-term risk of endometrial cancer after assisted reproductive technology. Hum. Reprod. 2025; deaf018.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
