Data analysis methods and the reliability of analytic epidemiologic research.
Publications that compare randomized controlled trial and cohort study results on the effects of postmenopausal estrogen-plus-progestin therapy are reviewed. The 2 types of studies agree in identifying an early elevation in coronary heart disease risk, and a later developing elevation in breast cancer risk. Effects among women who begin hormone therapy within a few years after the menopause may be comparatively more favorable for coronary heart disease and less favorable for breast cancer. These analyses illustrate the potential of modern data analysis methods to enhance the reliability and interpretation of epidemiologic data.
Prentice
Ross L
RL
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA. rprentic@fhcrc.org
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011374:Progesterone / Q000009:adverse effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology
D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone