Fertility and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): M.P. Vessey, K. McPherson, M.M. Roberts, A. Neill, L. Jones
Primary Institution: Department of Community Medicine & General Practice, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford
Hypothesis
Is the increased risk of breast cancer in women with late first term births attributable to infertility?
Conclusion
Women with breast cancer tended to have their first term birth at a later age, but there is no evidence that they were less fertile than controls.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with breast cancer had their first term birth at a later age than control women.
- The mean age at first term birth was 25.38 years for breast cancer cases and 24.18 years for controls.
- 80% of the difference in age at first term birth was due to differences in age at onset of regular sexual activity.
Takeaway
This study looked at women with breast cancer and found that they had their first baby later than women without breast cancer, but it doesn't mean they had trouble getting pregnant.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from interviews with women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and matched controls regarding their reproductive histories.
Limitations
The study focused only on women aged 45-59, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Married women aged 16-59 years, newly presenting with breast cancer.
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