Link Between Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cancer Confirmed by Researchers

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment designed to alleviate menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and fatigue, while also helping to mitigate bone loss. HRT is categorized into two primary types:
– Combination HRT, which includes both estrogen and progesterone
– Estrogen-only HRT, consisting solely of estrogen

Each HRT type presents distinct effects and side effects.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential adverse effects of HRT, particularly its association with an increased risk of breast cancer. Research dating back to 2002 has highlighted this link, leading to a significant decline in the number of women opting for HRT. Nonetheless, many continue to use it to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Current medical guidelines advise limiting HRT use to a maximum of five years.

A study published in the British Medical Journal examined electronic health records of 98,611 women aged 50-79 diagnosed with primary breast cancer. These patients were compared to 457,498 female controls matched by age, general practice, and index date. Conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom from 1998 to 2018, the analysis focused on the relationship between breast cancer risk and various HRT exposures.

The findings indicated that both estrogen-only therapy and combined estrogen and progestogen therapy are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Notably, the risk diminishes after discontinuation of hormone replacement, yet it increases with prolonged use.

These results reinforce concerns regarding the heightened breast cancer risk associated with long-term use of various hormone replacement therapies. Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the relationship between different stages of cancer and specific HRT types.

Reference

Vinogradova Y, Coupland C, Hippisley-Cox J. Use of hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer: nested case-control studies using the QResearch and CPRD databases. BMJ. 2020; 371:m3873. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m3873

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