DOES HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST-CANCER

The data contained in the literature about breast cancer risk and horm one replacement therapy is reviewed. Many studies with different metho dologies have been published. Analysis of classical papers or of meta- analysis do not support the view that short-term use of hormone replac ement therapy significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. In so me clinical situations such as family history of breast cancer, high d ose estrogens and especially in the case of long term treatment over 1 0 years, risk of cancer could be increased and requires a specific cli nical management. Despite of the absence of double blind placebo-contr olled trial, there is no strong data available to oppose the use of es trogen replacement therapy because of an hypothetic increased risk of breast cancer. Using a low posology for less than 5 years in correctly managed women is a safe attitude.