HRT is an established factor which increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. However, the study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), questions the evidence for this from the Million Woman Study. However, there are other largescale studies which show that the link exists.
Audrey Birt, Director for Scotland Breakthrough Breast Cancer says: “Many studies have shown that HRT increases the risk of breast cancer and this study does not change that. It does suggest the risks may, in some instances, have been slightly overstated.
“However, we know that the risk of breast cancer starts to decrease as soon as a woman stops taking HRT. Anyone who has concerns about HRT should speak with their doctor.
“We hope the Breakthrough Generations Study, which is following 110,000 UK women over 40 years, will provide further clarity on this issue.”
