Additional
Data Supporting Increased Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined
Estrogen/Progesterone Use
According to a recent article published in The Journal of
the American Medical Association, additional data indicate
that the use of continuous estrogen and progesterone hormone
therapy increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal
women.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed for
women during menopause. Menopause is a natural phase of maturing
womanhood, during which the ovaries produce significantly
less estrogen, ovulation ceases and menstruation ends. For
many women, menopause has uncomfortable side effects. Hot
flashes, sleep disturbances, depression, mood swings and anxiety
may affect the menopausal woman. Additionally, menopause may
also be accompanied by increased urinary tract infections,
incontinence, vaginal discomfort due to a lack of estrogen-based
lubrication and decreased bone density. HRT has been effectively
used to mitigate these side effects and is widely prescribed
for women experiencing these unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Recent results from several clinical studies have demonstrated
a correlation between the use of hormone therapy and the development
of breast cancer. However, it is not yet clear which particular
types and regimens of hormone therapy are associated with
the greatest risks of developing breast cancer.
Researchers have recently collected updated data from the
womens health initiative (WHI) clinical trial which was developed
to determine effects of HRT in postmenopausal women. This
trial involved women between the ages of 50 and 79 years who
were given daily HRT composed of both estrogen and progesterone,
or placebo (inactive substitute). The trial was stopped early
(5.2 years) after results indicated that severe side effects
were associated with the group of women receiving HRT, including
a 24% increased risk of developing breast cancer as well as
increased rates of stroke and heart attacks, compared to the
group of women receiving placebo. In addition, breast cancer
tended to be diagnosed at a later stage (extent) in women
receiving HRT, compared to women receiving placebo.
These updated results add to a growing number of papers that
indicate an association may exist between HRT and an increased
risk in the development of breast cancer in postmenopausal
women. However, it is important for patients to discuss the
risks and benefits of HRT in their particular situation with
their physician.
Reference: Cheblowski R, Hendrix S, Langer R, et al. Influence
of estrogen plus progestin on breast cancer and mammography
in healthy postmenopausal women. The Journal of the American
Medical Association. 2003;289:3243-3253.>
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