Breast Cancer-HRT Debate Continues

Ivanhoe Newswire
Thursday, April 19, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) plunged in 2003 after reports emerged linking the therapy to an increased risk for breast cancer and other conditions.

Now researchers report the incidence of breast cancer did the same, dropping by 6.7 percent over the same time period. The reduction was seen mainly in women older than age 50 and was strongly linked to hormone positive breast cancers. Investigators believe many small breast cancers in these women simply stopped growing or regressed after they stopped taking HRT.

Their theory is bolstered by additional results showing a leveling off of breast cancer rates in 2004, when the use of HRT stabilized as well.

But does this mean HRT causes breast cancer? Not so fast, report experts from the International Menopause Society (IMS). They point to several discrepancies that could call these findings into question. For example:

• A similar drop off in breast cancer rates was not seen in other countries, despite a similar reduction in HRT use following the initial report linking HRT to breast cancer
  
• Statistics also show a decline in breast cancer screening over the same time period, suggesting the lower incidence of breast cancer may be partly due to fewer cancers being found, rather than fewer cancers actually existing
  
• A similar decrease in breast cancer rates was noted between 1987 and 1989, despite no change in HRT use
  
• Studies have not indicated any increased risk in breast cancer among women younger than age 60 who use HRT

So, the debate rages on. What can women do in the meantime? The IMS believes HRT should be prescribed when indicated, with women making individual decisions on what's best for them by talking to their doctors.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The New England Journal of Medicine, published online April 18, 2007; International Menopause Society press release, April 18, 2007