A sharp decline in diagnosed breast cancer might be largely due to the fact that millions of women stopped using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after 2002. An earlier study, published in 2002, found that HRT increased the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. According to Dr. Peter Ravdin, a researcher at the University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, "Something went right in 2003, and it seems that it was the decrease in the use of hormone therapy. But from the data we used, we can only indirectly infer that is the case."
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women; more than double the next two most common cancers – lung and colorectal. The seven percent decrease from 2002 to 2003 means that 14,000 fewer American women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The largest decline was in women in the 50 to 69 age group – the group most likely to be using HRT.
University of Texas researchers reported that about half the women who were using HRT in 2002 had stopped after the first large study found significant risks for breast cancer and heart disease. They caution that these results do not prove a causal relationship, only an association.
Serious Postmenopausal Symptoms
About two million U.S. women start menopause each year. Only about one in four have moderate to severe symptoms that last four years or longer. Many of these women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and night sweats. HRT stops those symptoms.
Dr. JoAnn Manson, a professor at Harvard Medical School, believes that hormonal therapy can be safe for those women who really need it. She suggests careful screening and monitoring. Women should ask themselves:
- Am I already at risk for heart disease, blood clots, or breast cancer?
- Are my symptoms truly disrupting my life?
If you and your medical team decide you need hormone therapy:
- Take the lowest dose for the shortest time – no more than two or three years.
- Start out with a very low dose and add more medication if symptoms continue.
- Do not take estrogen without progestin as that increases the risk of uterine cancer.
- Try periodically to cut back or stop.
Final Recommendations
Don't use HRT if you can avoid it. If you do use HRT, use the lowest possible dose, and work with your doctor to find alternate treatments for your symptoms. |
