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

About 5 to 10 million people are thought to have been exposed to DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy from 1940 to 1971. Get up-to-date information on cancer risk and other potential health problems from DES exposure. 

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.