Can hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of cancer? Dr Louise Newson weighs in – Express

HRT is a treatment designed to relieve the tricky symptoms of menopause. Its primary function is to replace or top up hormones that are at lower levels. The most important hormone is oestrogen, said Dr Newson.

Speaking on ITVs This Morning, the doctor continued: We now have a body identical oestrogen, its the same oestrogen we produce when were younger.

Its very safe, obviously, its safe because its our own hormone.

We also know that oestrogen on its own is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and about 40 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer.

However, theres conflicting evidence when it comes to the HRT form.

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Cancer Research UK reports that hormone replacement therapy has been found to increase the risk of breast, ovarian and womb cancer.

However, the research portal also notes that this increased risk is small. Thats why in some cases the benefits of taking the hormone treatment could outweigh the risks.

Dr Newson also noted that the oestrogen used nowadays is much safer compared to the synthetic version used in the past.

Oestrogen isnt the only hormone you might need. The doctor said: Women that have a womb still need to have progesterone.

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And that has never been shown to be associated with the risk of breast cancer.

The risk of breast cancer for lots of types of HRT isnt there and actually there are some benefits.

But the treatment still remains heavily debated and many are worried about opting for HRT.

"We need to look at the evidence because thats the most important thing," the expert noted.

She continued: "When women have oestrogen on its own, if theyve got a womb, it can stimulate the lining of the womb, so yes theres an increased risk of womb cancer.

But we dont give women oestrogen on its own.

We give it with progesterone either as a capsuleor Mirena Coil and that thins the lining of the womb, so we dont have this risk, its a lot lower.

Dr Newson admitted that questionnaire study showed there might be a link. But she said that questionnaire studies dont represent good data, so that hasnt been proven.

We know that women who take the contraceptive pill have a lower risk of ovarian cancer, so HRT might be associated with a lower risk, she added.

Dr Newson concluded: The risk of breast cancer stems from WHI study that came out 20 years ago, using oral oestrogen and synthetic progestogens.

It showed that there was possibly an increased risk but when they re-analysed the data, this risk isnt statistically significant.

And women taking any type of HRT have a lower risk of dying from breast cancer.

The expert noted its also important to consider what women want as many, including Dr Newson herself, might take HRT for the benefits.

For example, the treatment has been also associated with a lower risk of conditions, including dementia, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Cancer Research UK recommends speaking to your GP to weigh up the pros and cons so you can consider your options.

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Can hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of cancer? Dr Louise Newson weighs in - Express