
An increase in breast cancer incidence has been linked to the use of both estrogen and progestin as a therapy.
The study also found that prognosis is similar for combined hormone therapy's users and nonusers, suggesting that death from breast cancer may be higher for hormone therapy users as well.
Advertisement
In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trial, estrogen plus progestin was associated with an increase in both breast cancer incidence and mortality.
In order to determine the differences between the WHI trial and other observational studies, Rowan T. Chlebowski, M.D., Ph.D., Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) lead researcher and colleagues, looked at postmenopausal women, who had no prior hysterectomy with negative mammograms within two years and were either users or non-users of estrogen and progestin combined therapy.
They found that breast cancer incidence was higher in estrogen plus progestin users than incidence in nonusers.
Women who started hormone therapy closer to menopause had a higher breast cancer risk with a weakening influence as the time from menopause increased.
The researchers wrote that because survival after breast cancer diagnosis did not differ between estrogen plus progestin users and nonusers, the higher breast cancer incidence of those using estrogen plus progestin may lead to increased breast cancer mortality on a population basis.
The study has been published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Advertisement
They found that breast cancer incidence was higher in estrogen plus progestin users than incidence in nonusers.
Women who started hormone therapy closer to menopause had a higher breast cancer risk with a weakening influence as the time from menopause increased.
The researchers wrote that because survival after breast cancer diagnosis did not differ between estrogen plus progestin users and nonusers, the higher breast cancer incidence of those using estrogen plus progestin may lead to increased breast cancer mortality on a population basis.
The study has been published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Cancer News

Improved oral health, as indicated by the count of natural teeth and dental appointments preceding the diagnosis, correlated with enhanced head and neck cancer survival rates.

The presence of painless swelling in the lymph nodes could potentially indicate lymphatic cancer, say experts.

Women tested at high risk for breast cancer using non-clinical genetic tests overlooking family history may decide to undergo unnecessary breast surgery.

Atezolizumab-bevacizumab drug combination can yield positive outcomes in terms of extended survival and the elimination of liver cancer.

Reflux disease manifests as acid regurgitation and heartburn and is a known risk factor for esophageal cancer.