BMJ 1995;311:1504-1505 (2 December)

Letters

Breast cancer and hormonal supplements in postmenopausal women

Benefits probably outweigh risks

EDITOR,--Hormone replacement therapy can undoubtedly alleviate the distressing symptoms associated with the menopause, and most research indicates that, in the short term at least, it is safe. Many women feel healthier and more vivacious when taking hormone replacement therapy and wish to continue it long term, and there is evidence that prolonged treatment is associated with a reduction in mortality and morbidity from degenerative disease of the cardiovascular and skeletal systems.

We must, however, balance the benefits against possible risks. For a 50 year old woman the lifetime risk of dying of coronary heart disease may be more than five times that of dying of breast cancer, but it is the fear of breast cancer that concerns women most. We need to look at epidemiological evidence as it unfolds, and the editorial by Klim McPherson is a welcome update of the situation.1 The latest publication from . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Breast cancer and hormonal supplements in postmenopausal women
Klim McPherson
BMJ 1995 311: 699-700. [Extract] [Full Text]

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