Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was previously said to be “possibly” causing cancer in women using the treatment for relief of menopause symptoms that can be severely debilitating. However, HRT has increasingly been linked to a greater risk of several types of cancers. Scientists at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, recently announced the results of their review of the published research on the subject. Based on their recommendations, HRTis now considered to be a cancer-causing therapy.

Scientist at WHO do not immediately recommend that women stop using HRT. They say that the combination therapy, which employs both estrogen and progestogen, has demonstrated an increased risk of breast cancer in women who use it. The risk increases the longer women employ HRT.

Scientists also say that the combined use of estrogen and progestogen in contraceptive pills slightly increases the risk of breast, cervical and liver cancer in women. However, it is though to decrease the risk of cancer of the endomentrial lining of the uterus, and the risk of ovarian cancer. Women are advised to carefully consider all of the risks associated with HRT in discussion with their doctors. Approximately 100 million worldwide use oral contraceptives for birth control, and another 20 million use HRT.

Sources: “HRT cancer causing, says WHO body,” BBC News, July 29, 2005; “New study widens pill risks, benefits for cancer,” Reuters, July 29, 2005.