LONDON, 30 Aug (APM) - Women who use or have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms of the menopause have been told to be "vigilant" for signs of breast cancer following a new study.
Published in the Lancet medical journal on Thursday, the study claims that the risk of breast cancer developing from HRT is double what was previously thought as the risk remains for more than 10 years after the therapy is stopped. (APMMA 64197)
In previous guidance, experts said HRT can be associated with an increase in the incidence of breast cancer, although any increased risk reduces after stopping (APMMA 44956).
According to the new findings, the increased risk of breast cancer is seen with all types of HRT, except for topical HRT applied directly onto or into the vagina.
The study said that one in 50 women of average weight taking the most common form of HRT - combined daily oestrogen and progestogen - for five years will develop breast cancer as a result.
The UK's medicines regulator the MHRA warned in a Friday statement that HRT should only be used for relief of menopausal symptoms that adversely affect quality of life.
It added that while there is no need for "urgent action", women should use the lowest effective dose of HRT for the shortest duration and HRT should only be continued as long as the benefit in alleviating menopausal symptoms outweighs the risks associated with treatment.
Sarah Branch, deputy director of MHRA's vigilance and risk management of medicines division said: "Women should be aware of this new information so that it can be considered with the other risks and benefits of using HRT.
"The menopause can have unpleasant side effects and HRT products can be effective in helping to ease the symptoms. No medicine is completely without risk, but it is important for women to be able to make an informed decision about the risks and benefits that are appropriate for them."
Around one million people in the UK are currently taking HRT, five million in Europe and six million in the U.S.
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