Should You Fear HRT and Breast Cancer – Perhaps Not
For sometime now, we have heard a great deal about an increase in breast cancer rates in women who undergo HRT for menopausal symptoms. As a result, many women have decided not to participate in HRT, which has many times left them suffering more than they may have had to.
According to cancerconsultants.com, recent research done by the Women’s Health Initiative shows an interesting twist to the breast cancer associated with HRT. The fact that hormone replacement therapy increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer still stands. That’s believed to be related to the high levels of estrogen in the body.
But what is new is that research has shown women who develop breast cancer associated with HRT actually develop a form that is far less deadly than breast cancer in women who are not receiving HRT.
Perhaps you no longer have to feel guilty or as worried if you opt for hormone replacement treatment in an effort to manage many of your postmenopausal symptoms.
It is already well established that women on HRT have a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer and they suffer fewer fractures. However, they also have a higher risk of developing stroke, blood clots, heart disease, and breast cancer. Up until now, it was believed the risks outweighed the benefits but it seems there is a change in opinion occurring thanks to these new studies.
Since women on HRT who develop breast cancer are more likely to survive than women who are not on HRT and develop breast cancer it stands to reason that it may be acceptable to have that higher risk of developing breast cancer. Of course, HRT is a very personal decision but you should discuss your options with your primary physician and see if it is right for you.
