It is uncertain whether MHT will increase your personal risk of breast cancer since breast cancer risk varies based on the type of MHT plus a woman’s family history and overall health.
To date, the evidence shows that in North America, the estrogen in MHT does not cause, nor increase the risk for breast cancer overall.
In menopausal women, short-term MHT using estrogen will not increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. However, MHT may slightly increase the risk for breast cancer in late menopause after 4 or more years of continuous use.
Some women are at high risk for breast cancer. Please discuss your personal risks when discussing MHT with your healthcare provider.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer:
Short-term use of MHT for symptom control and quality of life will have little effect on personal breast cancer risk. Longer use of MHT does increase breast cancer risk. Currently, the only proven strategy to reduce breast cancer deaths is early detection through mammography in women over 50.
Kathryn Fink
More By This AuthorWelcome to Herstasis Health Blogs. When women ask questions about their experiences with the menopausal transition, we listen! These blogs are full of good content that is relevant, helpful, and always developed with current science-based information.
We invite you to read and enjoy (and learn a few things at the same time)!
