HRT linked to ovarian cancer risk

[depakid]

A large UK study has found hormone replacement therapy significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Figures from the Million Women Study suggest 1,000 extra women in the UK died from ovarian cancer between 1991 and 2005 because they were using HRT. The researchers, writing in the Lancet, said HRT increased the risk of ovarian, breast and womb cancers.

Experts said current advice would not change and women should be on HRT for the shortest possible time. Previous results from the Million Women Study, published in 2003, showed use of combined HRT doubles the risk of breast cancer.

The findings prompted recommendations that women weigh up the risks and benefits of HRT and take the smallest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

Lead researcher, Professor Valerie Beral - director of Cancer Research UK's epidemiology unit at the University of Oxford - said: "The results of this study are worrying because they show that, not only does HRT increase the risk of getting ovarian cancer, it also increases a woman's risk of dying of ovarian cancer.
.........

Risk of ovarian cancer in women taking HRT returned to normal within a few years of stopping treatment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6567847.stm?ls
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Listen to an interview on the subject with Dr. Beral at the Lancet

http://podcast.thelancet.com/audio/lancet/2007/9570_21april.mp3

[mzmolly]

1. Color me unsurprised.

Thanks for sharing.