Question:
I’m on HRT and I’ve heard the news about the cancer risk-should I be worried?
Answer:
This was research that had been published. In 2010, it was reported that there was a link with an increased risk of breast cancer but one of the problems then was that the amount of increase in the risk wasn’t clear. This study, from the Institute of Cancer Research and the National Cancer Registration Service of the UK showed that over a 6 year period 2% of the total developed breast cancer. First of all we are talking about the combined oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-it contains both oestrogen and progesterone.
These are the hormones that are reduced as women go through the menopause or the ‘change of life’.There are also other factors to take into account. There is a natural increase in the risk of breast cancer with women who have never breast fed, had their first baby later in life. obesity and family history of the disease. Basically there are many factors at play of which the combined hormone treatment is certainly one of them increasing the risk.
In answer to your question, it needs to be an individual decision in consultation with your doctor as to whether HRT is the right treatment for you. The risk certainly increases the longer you remain on the treatment. Some women can experience symptoms such as uncontrolled sweats, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness and mood changes where HRT can bring much needed relief.
