Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that hormone therapy can affect breast cancer risk in younger women. The study analyzed data from over 459,000 women under 55 years old and discovered two types of hormone therapy may change breast cancer risk.
Women treated with unopposed estrogen hormone therapy (E-HT) had a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t use hormone therapy. However, women using estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy (EP-HT) were more likely to develop the disease compared to non-users.
The study’s results suggest that EP-HT users may have a higher breast cancer risk, especially if they haven’t undergone hysterectomy or oophorectomy. Healthcare providers should consider this when advising women on hormone therapy use.
The findings extend previous research on hormone therapy and breast cancer risk in older women, providing essential evidence for decision-making during menopause. The study’s lead author notes that patients and doctors should weigh the benefits of symptom relief against potential risks associated with hormone therapy, particularly EP-HT.
According to the authors, cumulative breast cancer risk before age 55 could be around 4.5% for EP-HT users, compared to a lower risk for those using E-HT or not using hormone therapy at all.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/breast-cancer-risk-younger-women-may-be-influenced-hormone-therapy