BMJ 1995;311:1505 (2 December)

Letters

Increase in risk of breast cancer is small

EDITOR,--I am confused over how Klim McPherson reaches some of his conclusions, particularly the conclusion that long term use of hormonal supplements in postmenopausal women may be responsible for an average net loss of years of life.1 Far more studies have been done that show benefits of hormone replacement therapy on coronary heart disease and osteoporosis than that show benefits on breast cancer. The figures for coronary heart disease, of a 50% reduction in overall mortality,2 and the preventability of osteoporosis and fractures are reasonably believable.3 The studies of breast cancer show variable results, some with a small increase in incidence from long term use. If we accept the figures quoted--that for a 50 year old postmenopausal woman the lifetime risk of coronary heart disease is 45%, of fracture of the hip is 15%, and of cancer of the breast is 8%--then with the

reduction inthe incidence of coronary heart . . . [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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