Combined HRT breast cancer risk 'may have been underestimated'

Conclusion This study shows a link between the use of combined oestrogen and progesterone HRT and breast cancer risk, particularly among women who take the pill for a long period of time. But this is not the entire story. The study included a large cohort of women. The risk increase for combined HRT is based on only 52 of the 39,183 women taking the combined pill who developed breast cancer. Of these, only seven women had been taking the pill for more than 15 years. Therefore, the analysis was based on a very small number, which may mean the risk associations are not completely accurate. Assessments were based on self-report questionnaires, so there is a possibility of recall bias. For example, some information about use of HRT pills was collected from women after their breast cancer diagnosis. As the combined HRT pill has been linked to breast cancer, women may have recalled their use differently from those who didn't develop cancer. Although the researchers took into account a wide range of factors, it's possible that some unaccounted factors influenced the link. One of these factors the authors note is BMI, which should be taken into consideration, particularly when comparing results between studies. These findings will be of concern to women taking combination HRT. But there are a few extra points to put this into perspective. The baseline risk of developing breast cancer with combined HRT is still quite small. This research found no link with the oestrogen...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Medication Older people Source Type: news