Hormone replacement and breast cancer risk: reconsidering the data.

In their recent commentary (ONCOLOGY 23:639-641, 2009), Labriola and colleagues reviewed the data on “natural” hormone replacement and breast cancer risk. The “natural” agents were bioidentical and phytoestrogen supplements to manage vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients. The rationale for the alternative was the fact that in one large study, the women who took conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations had a higher risk for breast cancer, and therefore, similar preparations could not be used in breast cancer survivors with vasomotor symptoms. The authors justified that statement by citing the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study.[1] This study compared estrogen plus progestin with a placebo. Another prospective randomized group mentioned by the authors received estrogen alone compared to a placebo, but this study was not referenced.