Cancerbackup: Q-1086177080

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I am 41. I had great problems with menopausal symptoms following surgery and chemotherapy for cancer of the cervix. My HRT treatment has been really helpful. With the possible risk of developing breast cancer, should I stop it, even though I would rather not?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can ease menopausal symptoms and also helps prevent bone thinning (osteoporosis) in women who have had an early menopause.

In younger women, who have had an early menopause, taking HRT doesn't seem to increase the risk of breast cancer. Their risk seems to be the same as women of the same age who haven't been through an early menopause. For most women who have an early menopause, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.

Women over the age of 50 years who take HRT for a few years do have a very slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women who have not taken HRT.

Of course every woman is an individual person, so this answer can only give a general picture. If you are concerned about your own situation, you can talk to your GP, who can help you discuss the pros and cons of HRT in your own case.


Content last reviewed: 01 June 2006
Page last modified: 06 June 2006

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