HRT Raises Recurrence Risk Among Breast Cancer Survivors

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Women in the trial had both estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative cancers. Estrogen receptor-positive cancer is fueled by the hormone estrogen.

The study did not determine if taking HRT increases the risk of dying from breast cancer.

For women in general, the message remains the same: They should avoid taking hormone therapy unless needed for severe menopausal symptoms, and then at the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time.

"For breast cancer survivors, the stakes are higher," said Debbie Saslow, director of breast and gynecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society. "My guess is that women survivors who would even consider HRT would be those with the best prognosis and severe menopausal symptoms. It's not recommended, but for some women that quality of life is important. You need to keep it all in perspective."

More information

Visit the U.S. National Cancer Institute for more on breast cancer.