What role does estrogen replacement therapy play in breast cancer?
The results of the Women’s Health Initiative have provided helpful information in understanding the impact of hormone replacement therapy in breast cancer. The study, which had been scheduled to continue until 2005, was stopped in 2002. The researchers said the risks of taking hormones such as premarin and provera outweighed the benefits. After the women had been on hormone replacement therapy for an average of just over five years, they had an increase risk of breast cancer, as well as stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. They had a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and hip fracture. Each woman should work with her physician to evaluate her individual risk factors in making decisions about hormone replacement therapy. A study of estrogen alone is continuing because it has not shown an increased risk of breast cancer.
