F. Lecuru et al., DOES HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST-CANCER, European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 62(2), 1995, pp. 159-166
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.