Controversies over hormone replacement therapy. HRT as a risk factor of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was introduced in order to overcome the problems associated with tissue catabolism to which postmenopausal women are particularly prone. However, it is widely accepted that estrogen is essential for breast tumorigenesis. Therefore, the question is raised as to whether HRT in a long perspective can increase the risk of breast cancer development. Moreover, the results of many observational studies do not fully support the protective effects against e.g., cardiovascular diseases. This mini review summarizes the results of recent studies indicating the benefits and risks related to HTR.
Licznerska
Barbara E
BE
University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry 6 Grunwaldzka Str., 60-780 Poznań.
Baer-Dubowska
Wanda
W
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D017698:Postmenopause; D012307:Risk Factors