Women urged to weigh up HRT risks
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is giving this advice in response to a British study which found HRT “significantly increases” the risk of ovarian cancer.
University of Oxford researchers said HRT increased the risk of ovarian, breast and womb cancers.
Lead researcher Prof Valerie Beral said: “The results of this study are worrying because they show, not only does HRT increase the risk of getting ovarian cancer, it also increases a woman’s risk of dying of ovarian cancer.”
Previous results from the same Million Women Study, in 2003, showed use of combined HRT doubles the risk of breast cancer.
HRT has been used by millions of women in many countries to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
In Britain, the number of HRT users fell from two million in 2002 to one million in 2005, data revealed.
The analysis of 948,576 post-menopausal women showed a 20% increased risk of developing and dying from ovarian cancer in HRT users, compared with those who had never used it. This equates with one extra case of ovarian cancer for every 2,500 women taking HRT and one extra death from ovarian cancer in every 3,300 users.
The increased risk was the same for all types of HRT. Risk of ovarian cancer in women taking HRT returned to normal in a few years of stopping treatment.
The study reveals that those who take HRT for five years or more are risking death from ovarian cancer — a particularly lethal form of the disease.
The research, just published online by The Lancet journal, may well reduce the numbers willing to take the risk of hormone treatment.
But experts said current advice wouldn’t change and women should be on HRT for as short as possible.
ICS spokeswoman Emer O’Kane said the new data showed “a small increased risk” of ovarian cancer.
“This isn’t something that we need to be particularly alarmist about. I would say that HRT has many beneficial effects, such as reducing cardiovascular (heart) disease and osteoporosis (brittle bones).”
Her advice to women is:
Know why they are taking HRT.
Take the smallest dose for the least amount of time.
Be wary if you have a family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
“GPs are increasingly aware of the effects of HRT, so do talk to your GP or call the Irish Cancer national helpline (1800 200 700).”
Used to treat symptoms of menopause.
Designed to increase levels of female hormone oestrogen.
Not appropriate for all women.
Consult doctor and have regular medical checks.
Alternatives: homeopathy, herbs and dietary/lifestyle changes.
Information: Irish Cancer Helpline 1800 200 700.
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