Is there an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking estrogen alone?
There is no evidence of an increased risk for breast cancer in women taking active estrogen alone, compared to those taking placebo pills, even after an average of 5.2 years. We do not know whether the long-term effects will differ. The Data Safety and Monitoring Board will continue to review participants health data every 6 months. This information has been superceded by the 2004 Hormone Program Update.
A. There is no evidence of an increased risk for breast cancer in women taking active estrogen alone, compared to those taking placebo pills, even after an average of 5.2 years. We do not know whether the long-term effects will differ. The Data Safety and Monitoring Board will continue to review participants’ health data every 6 months.
Related Questions
- When did the increased risk of breast cancer become apparent for women taking estrogen plus progestin compared to women taking placebo pills?
- Is there an increased risk of breast cancer and abnormal mammograms in women taking estrogen alone (without progestin) or other E+P formulas?
- What is the increased risk for women taking E+P for breast cancer?
