HRT and ovarian cancer – new evidence
A new study has highlighted once again the link between long term use of Hormone Replacement Therapy and an increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer, and dying from the disease
Ovarian Cancer Action Chief Executive Annwen Jones is concerned about the link between HRT and ovarian cancer highlighted in the April 19 edition of the Lancet.
"This large research study provides further evidence that there is an increased risk between the long term use of HRT and ovarian cancer, although it appears that less than 2% of all ovarian cancer cases could be attributed to HRT. However, given the overall increased risk of developing breast, endometrial or ovarian cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action suggests that women concerned should discuss these results with their doctor. In particular, it is important that women neither stop nor start taking HRT without seeking medical advice."
Women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms, should discuss potential risks of taking the drugs, compared to the benefits, and that if they decide with their doctor to use HRT, that they use the minimum effective dose for the shortest duration of time.
For women already taking HRT we advise they re-evaluate the benefits versus the risks on an annual basis.
As far as we are aware, the study does not give any information on the effects of hrt on women who have already been treated for ovarian cancer.
It is also important that other risk factors for the disease are taken into consideration. The main ones remain
Age
Family history (2 or more cases on one side of the family)
Other risk factors can include
Height (being tall)
Premenopausal obesity
Childlessness and/or lack of breast feeding
Early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause
The Lancet study appears to attribute 1,300 cases of ovarian cancer, and 1,000 deaths to HRT since 1991. In that time approximately 105,000 women in the UK will have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and approximately 67,500 deaths from the disease.
Full details of the study on HRT and ovarian cancer from Timesonline [new window will open].