The study concludes that there is a novel association between low response to ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs and BRCA1 mutations, which suggests a possible link between infertility, and breast/ovarian cancer risks. The analysis of the BRCA gene in women with infertility and low response to ovarian stimulation may be worthwhile, especially when there is family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Larger studies are warranted to investigate the impact of BRCA mutations on fertility in general population.

Researchers have identified hundreds of mutations in the BRCA1 gene, many of which are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Women, particularly those in their mid 30's or older, who have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, have an increased risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer and produce a significantly less number of eggs than normal. This is noteworthy factor as women put off pregnancy.

SOURCE Westchester Medical Center