Fatal colon cancer in a young egg donor: a physician mother's call for follow-up and research on the long-term risks of ovarian stimulation

Objective

To present a case report of fatal colon cancer in a young, previously healthy woman 4 years after repeated ovarian stimulation for egg donation, review previous publications on the risks of ovarian stimulation, and make recommendations for further egg donor follow-up, research, and actions by professional associations and regulatory agencies.

Design

Case report and review of the literature.

Setting

Case report and review of the literature.

Patient(s)

One patient and published cases.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

None.

Result(s)

There has been no systematic study of the long-term risk of cancer or other adverse outcomes in healthy egg donors.

Conclusion(s)

At present, potential egg donors cannot give truly informed consent because insufficient information exists about their long-term risks.