ICARE Newsletter Summer 2012

Ask the Expert: What are the risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations?

The following questions were addressed by Drs. Pal and Lancaster at the Moffitt Cancer Center:

Q. What are the risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations?

A. Concern about HRT in BRCA carriers is its potential to raise the risk of breast cancer, as seen in the general population.1-3 However, two studies in BRCA mutation carriers reported that HRT did not increase the subsequent risk of breast cancer, nor did it appear to reduce the protective effect of oophorectomy on breast cancer risk.4,5 Recent results from the Women’s Health Initiative in the general population also provide reassurance as to estrogen use for about 5 years in terms of breast cancer risk and mortality.6

1. Chen, C.L., et al. JAMA. 287, 734-41 (2002). 2. Rossouw, J.E., et al. JAMA. 288, 321-33 (2002). 3. Chlebowski, R.T., et al. JAMA 289, 3243-5 (2003). 4. Eisen, A. et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 100, 1361-7 (2008). 5. Rebbeck, T.R., et al. J Clin Oncol 23, 7804-10 (2005). 6. Anderson G.L., et al. Lancet Oncol, 13(5), 476-86 (2012).

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