HRT linked to breast cancer
Prolonged combined HRT use linked to increased risk of lobular breast cancer
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Tuesday, 15, Jan 2008 08:05
Prolonged use of combined oestrogen/progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to an increased risk of lobular breast cancer.
US researchers found that postmenopausal women taking HRT for three years or more have a fourfold increased risk of developing various forms of lobular breast cancer.
This type of cancer affects the lobules, or chambers, in the breast that contain milk-producing glands.
Previous studies suggest that five or more years of combined hormone therapy use was necessary to increase overall breast cancer risk.
But Dr Christopher Li, lead author of the report, said today: "Our study, the first specifically designed to evaluate the relationship between combined HRT and lobular breast cancers, suggests that a significantly shorter length of exposure to such hormones may confer an increased risk."
The research is the largest study of combined HRT and lobular cancer risk in the US and is the first such study to take into account the recency and duration of hormone use as well as the type of tumour.
Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre studied more than 1,500 postmenopausal women in western Washington; 1,044 breast cancer cases and 469 controls.
Tumour status was confirmed through centralised examination of breast tissue.
Their findings, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, revealed that current users of combined HRT had a 2.7-fold and 3.3-fold elevated risk of lobular and ductal-lobular cancer.
Women who used combined HRT for three or more years faced an increased risk of lobular cancer.
The researchers say the incidence of invasive lobular and ductal-lobular breast cancers has risen rapidly in the US, increasing 52 percent and 96 percent respectively between 1987 and 1999.
"Our research suggests that the use of postmenopausal hormone-replacement therapy, specifically the use of combined oestrogen-plus-progestin preparations, may be contributing to this increase," said Dr Li.
Commenting on the study, Cancer Research UK's Henry Scowcroft, said: "This study agrees with previous research on the effect of HRT on breast cancer risk.
"HRT can be a huge help in alleviating the symptoms of the menopause, which can be very uncomfortable on a day-to-day basis. These advantages need to be considered alongside any potential increase in breast cancer risk, which varies from woman to woman.
"If you are worried about HRT the best thing to do is to discuss the matter with your GP, who will be able to help you weigh up your options."