Breast Cancer Rates Fall: Is Drop in HRT Use the Reason?

Breast Cancer Rates and Hormone Replacement Therapy

A new study reveals that a seven percent decrease in U.S. breast cancer diagnoses in 2003 may be due to a decline in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While a definitive link has not yet been established, the statistics strongly suggest that the reason for the sharp decrease is a drop in the number of women using HRT.

In 2002, a warning was issued by the Women's Health Initiative stating that HRT may elevate the risk factor for breast cancer and heart disease. It was suggested that women take the lowest dosage of HRT for the shortest time possible. Some women discontinued therapy altogether. Usage overall was cut nearly in half by the end of 2002, falling from 22,000 women taking HRT to only 12,000.

The new analysis, presented yesterday at the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, showed an overall decrease of seven percent of breast cancer diagnoses, and as much as 12 percent for women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.

Researchers also determined that about 14,000 fewer women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 than the previous year.

What Does the Study Mean for Women?

While the results of the study are encouraging, the data analysis is limited to only one year. More studies need to be done to support the claim that HRT contributes to breast cancer.

If you are currently taking HRT, do not stop without talking with your doctor. Together, you can weigh the risks versus the benefits of HRT.

Why is Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescribed?

Hormone replace therapy is prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of menopause in women. As hormone levels decrease in women going through menopause, they experience symptoms such as hot flashes and irritability. For many women, these symptoms can be overwhelming and simply unbearable. Hormone therapy can provide great relief to women experiencing these symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy is not necessary for all women going through menopause. If you are considering taking hormone replacement therapy, talk to your doctor about the risks and the benefits.



References:

1. "Hormone Therapy: An Introduction". Medem. 1 Mar 2005. American Medical Association. 15 Dec 2006.
   
2. "Decline in Breast Cancer Cases Likely Linked to Reduced Use of Hormone Replacement." News Room. 14 Dec 2006. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. 15 Dec 2006.
   
3. Hersh L, Stefanick ML, Stafford Rs. National use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: annual trends and response to recent evidence. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004;291:47–53.
   
4. "Questions and Answers About the Hormone Replacement Therapy Trial." April 2004. Women's Health Initiative. 15 Dec 2006.