HRT and breast cancer risk has hit the headlines again

How should we explain this recent study to our patients? Read an analysis by an ICGP expert and opinions from the RCOG and BMS.

A paper titled "Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer. What is the true size of the risk?" was published in the British Journal of Cancer on 22nd July 2016. This is a prospective study and in the conclusion the authors state that previous studies may have underestimated the risk of breast cancer associated with combined hormone replacement therapy.

The press have run with this story with headlines such as "HRT causes increase in breast cancer". Women may present to GPs with concerns over this news item and will want to discuss the risks and benefits of taking HRT. 

To help you analyse this study, please see the links below:

• Publication: HRT and Breast cancer Risk, British Journal of Cancer
• An analysis of the study written by Dr Deirdre Lundy, lecturer and coordinator of women's health courses at the ICGP
• Joint RCOG/ BMS response statement
• BMS letter to members
• NICE Guideline - Diagnosis and Management of Menopause