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 of more than 275,000 children conceived through in vitro fertilization found they were 17 percent more likely to develop cancer than children conceived naturally. But the study's lead researcher, 

, said it shouldn't deter people who are considering IVF.

"The overall rate of cancer is about 60 per million. A 17 percent increased risk would be about 70 per million," he said.


In short, childhood cancer is rare and is still rare with a slight increase. 


But Spector, a professor in the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, did see more statistically significant differences when looking at a particular kind of cancer. IVF children were 2.5 times more likely than non-IVF children to develop hepatic tumors. 

Spector discussed his study with MPR News host Tom Crann. Click play on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.

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The study was the largest to date comparing children conceived through in vitro fertilization to those conceived naturally.

Study: IVF associated with slight increase in cancer, but shouldn't dissuade parents-to-be

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