Follow-up analysis of data collected for the Women’s Health Initiative study of postmenpausal women has shown an increase risk of breast cancer in women taking combined estrogen and progesterone. The findings suggest there is an increased risk of invasive breast cancer, breast cancer presenting with positive lymph nodes, and breast cancer related deaths.

While the absolute risk of breast cancer related death is small, it is significantly increased for women taking combined estrogen and progesterone daily. It should be noted that the data at this point does not show an increase in breast cancer risk in patients taking estrogen alone.

Researchers suggest women considering hormone therapy for relief of menopausal symptoms should continue to be counseled that thy should use the lowest effective dose, for the shortest period of time.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer risk, cancer, daily, Dr. Mathews, estrogen, hormone therapy, kyle mathews, Plano Urogynecology Associates, progesterone, women, Women Health Initiative | Category: Menopause, News & Education |