Medical Treatments that Might Affect Cancer Risk

Medical tests and treatments can be an important part of getting and staying healthy. But some types of tests and treatments may actually increase a person's risk of developing cancer. Get the facts about possible links between certain medical procedures and cancer.

Cancer Treatments

Some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may increase a person's risk of developing a different type of cancer later in life. 

Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy

Here you'll find information on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how it can affect a woman's risk of getting certain cancers.

DES Exposure

Doctors prescribed DES (diethylstilbestrol) from 1938 until 1971 to help some pregnant women who'd had miscarriages or premature deliveries. Get info about how DES can affect breast cancer risk.

Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk

Abortion does not appear to raise the risk of breast cancer or any other type of cancer. Learn what we know about abortion and breast cancer here.