E10 - Ask the Doctor - Black Cohosh versus hormone replacement therapy in menopause.pub

Q Are there concerns associated with HRT? A The cancer-causing potential of HRT is a real and serious concern. More than 30 studies have been performed to determine the risk of HRT on cancer. Unfortunately, despite intense investigation, these studies have not provided clear-cut answers. The bottom line is that nobody really knows for sure what impact HRT has on cancer, but there is enough evidence to warrant concern. Q To what cancer is HRT most closely linked? A Breast cancer, which is already the most common cancer in women. Current estimates are that one in nine women in the United States will develop breast cancer. Since estrogens play a critical role in the development of most breast cancers, it only makes sense that additional estrogens may promote breast cancer. Several studies of postmenopausal women taking estrogen have shown an increased risk for breast cancer. When all the studies are examined collectively, experts have calculated that estrogen replacement ther-apy is associated with a 1% to 30% increase in the risk of breast cancer. Most of the positive studies were conducted in European countries. In comparison, only a few studies in the United States have shown HRT increases the risk of breast cancer.