According to the results of a large study called the Million Women Study (funded by Cancer Research UK) women over 50 years of age who take HRT have a small increase in their risk of getting ovarian cancer and a slightly increased risk of dying of ovarian cancer.

Results show that over five years there is one extra case of ovarian cancer in every 2,500 women who take HRT. The study also showed that for every 3,300 women who take HRT, there will be one extra death from ovarian cancer.

The longer you take HRT the more your risk increases. But when you stop taking it your risk goes back to normal within a few years. The type of HRT you take makes no difference to your risk of ovarian cancer. This is different from breast cancer where the type of HRT taken does influence risk.

The main risk factors for ovarian cancer are still the same - getting older and having a family history of ovarian cancer.

If you’re taking HRT don’t stop it without talking things over with your doctor. And if you’re thinking about starting HRT talk to your doctor about all the potential risks and benefits for you as an individual as this is different for each woman. In general HRT, when taken by women over 50 years of age, should be for short term use and should involve having regular reviews, at least once a year, with their doctor. If you haven’t seen your GP for a while get in touch to talk over the risks and benefits of HRT in your situation and whether you should continue with it.

Reference

• Ovarian cancer and hormone replacement therapy in the Million Women Study, Million Women Study Collaborators, The Lancet, April 19, 2007.