The relationship between HRT and breast cancer stems from estrogen, which is known to either cause or promote breast cancer. In addition to breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy or HRT can spur other cancers such as uterine or endometrial cancer. Women typically are prescribed hormone replacement therapy when they are unable to tolerate hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms of menopause.
Women with a family history of breast cancer, or those who have had breast cancer themselves, should investigate alternative treatments for symptoms of menopause. Occasionally, breast cancer risk is elevated further by other risk factors such as age, alcohol consumption, and obesity. In addition, the HRT and breast cancer link has caused some women to stop taking hormone replacement therapy out of fear of getting the disease.
Studies have shown a decline in breast cancer cases since the public became aware of the possible dangers of hormone replacement therapy. When women heard the latest negative studies, many discontinued HRT, and breast cancer rates dropped. Alternative measures such as sleeping in a cool bedroom, drinking ice water, and wearing loose clothing made from natural fabrics can help alleviate symptoms of menopause, as can abstaining from smoking and keeping stress at bay.
The HRT and breast cancer risk demonstrates how strongly estrogen is related to gynecological cancers. These cancers are fueled by estrogen, and even certain foods like soybeans and tofu are not without risk. Although they are not sources of estrogen themselves, they closely mimic the effects of estrogen, causing some researchers to believe that consuming these products can raise the increase of breast cancer.
When breast tumors are diagnosed, many physicians recommend that HRT be discontinued. It is still not certain if the estrogen in hormone replacement therapy can cause breast tumors to spread, but it is recommended to stop taking the treatment to reduce the breast cancer death risk. Physicians should warn patients about the HRT and breast cancer correlation to allow them to make an informed decision before beginning treatment.
Factors to take into consideration when contemplating the use HRT are family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, and severity of menopausal symptoms. When hot flashes and other symptoms become unbearable, taking hormones might be an appropriate treatment option for women. In these cases, patients need to be monitored closely by their physicians.
