Recent research indicates a concerning link between female infertility and increased risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Notably, Hispanic women face up to a 70% higher likelihood of experiencing infertility compared to their white counterparts, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding the long-term health implications for this demographic.
“Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, with 60% having Mexican heritage. It is crucial to better understand the relationship between infertility and associated health risks in this population,” stated Leslie Farland, ScD, an associate professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and a member of the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Farland is collaborating with Dalia Stern, PhD, from the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, to lead this pivotal study. “We hope this project marks the beginning of personalized screening recommendations that can enhance women’s health and longevity.”
The research aims to assess the risks of breast cancer and gynecological cancers—specifically endometrial and ovarian cancer—among women with a history of infertility, compared to those who have given birth. Additionally, the study will evaluate the risk of heart disease and premature mortality associated with infertility.
This investigation is co-funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Office of Research on Women’s Health, both divisions of the National Institutes of Health. The ultimate goal is to develop personalized care strategies for millions of women in this population, improving health outcomes through timely screenings and interventions.
Farland emphasized that existing studies on infertility and long-term health effects in Hispanic women are limited, often plagued by short follow-up periods, small sample sizes, and insufficient details regarding infertility histories, diagnoses, and treatments.
Since 2016, Farland has partnered with the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, utilizing data from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort study, which has enrolled over 115,000 women since 2006 and continues to gather data after 18 years.
“Research in this area necessitates large samples and comprehensive, longitudinal data,” Farland noted. “This can only be achieved through collaboration among international experts and data sources.”
Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health, expressed pride in Farland’s contributions to women’s health research, stating, “This collaborative study exemplifies her insightful approach. We are particularly pleased to work with the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública to gather infertility data that will benefit millions of women in both countries and across Arizona.”
The research team also includes members from the U of A Cancer Center: Denise Roe, DrPH, a professor of biostatistics at the Zuckerman College of Public Health, and John Ruiz, PhD, a professor in the U of A College of Science’s Department of Psychology and the Cancer Center’s associate director for inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Related topics:
