Features -Breakthrough Comment On HRT Breast Cancer Risk

Breakthrough Breast Cancer comment responding to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, titled: 'Breast cancer use of estrogen plus progestin in postmenopausal women'. Study carried out by the Women's Health Initiative.

Dr Sarah Cant, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: “We’ve known for some time that taking HRT can increase the risk of developing breast cancer; however short-term use is likely to have only a small effect.
“Previous research has suggested that women who have stopped taking HRT are no longer at increased risk of breast cancer after five years. This study suggests the fall in risk happens within one year. We would need further research results before we can be sure of the accuracy of these new findings.
"Women who are concerned should contact their GP before starting, stopping or changing their HRT."

Richard Purnell
Breakthrough Breast Cancer
E: richardp@breakthrough.org.uk

Page created: 7 February 2009