Fears for millions as UN says HRT causes cancer

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http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=567 & id=1703082005

 

 

 

Fears for millions as UN says HRT causes cancer

 

 

EBEN HARRELL

 

 

 

HORMONE replacement therapy used by millions of women around the world

causes cancer, according to the UN's cancer agency.

 

It also said yesterday that the combined contraceptive pill, also used

by millions, causes more types of cancers than previously thought.

 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which collates

existing oncology studies, declared that consistent evidence emerging

from studies in the past few years has lead it to reclassify hormonal

menopause therapy from " possibly carcinogenic to humans " to

" carcinogenic to humans " .

 

The agency said studies have convincingly shown that doses of

oestrogen and progesterone in combination slightly increase the risk

of breast cancer. And oestrogen-only treatment, while posing less of a

risk for breast cancer, can cause endometrial cancers.

 

A major US study into HRT in 2002 established a link to breast cancer,

while links to endometrial cancers have long been known. But it is the

first time the respected international agency has decisively labelled

the treatment carcinogenic, effectively ending any remaining doubt.

 

Dr Peter Boyle, director of IARC, said: " [This report] address

exposures that are experienced daily by many millions of women

worldwide. It is of enormous public health importance that we identify

and understand the full range of effects of these products. "

 

HRT is used to treat women suffering from symptoms caused by

perimenopause - the transition before menopause when oestrogen and

progesterone levels drop. Symptoms include insomnia, mood swings, hot

flushes, reduced mental clarity, vaginal dryness and heavy menstrual

periods.

 

In 2000, approximately 20 million women in developed countries used

HRT, although that number has dropped in recent years as the treatment

has been linked to cancer. Many doctors continue to prescribe a

low-dose therapy for severe cases, but symptom-specific treatments

such as lubricants, blood pressure medication and anti-depressants are

becoming increasingly popular.

 

The report also concluded that the combined contraceptive pill causes

more types of cancer than previously thought. Previously, the pill had

been identified as causing liver cancer. Now, further research has

demonstrated that it also slightly increases the risk of breast and

cervical cancer, the agency said.

 

However, the investigation also confirmed that the pill decreases the

risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.

 

Vincent Cogliano, head of the agency's monographs department, which is

widely regarded as the international authority on which substances

cause cancer, said: " It's a complicated picture. It doesn't mean women

should stop taking the treatment. There are still other reasons to

take it. Each woman has to discuss it with her doctor and weigh the

risks and benefits. "

 

Worldwide, more than 100 million women - about 10 per cent of all

women of reproductive age - currently use combined hormonal

contraceptives. Commonly known as " the pill " , but also administered

through patches and injections, the treatment prevents pregnancy by

stopping ovulation and thickening the mucous of the cervix so sperm

cannot get through.

 

Combined hormonal contraceptives can cause weight gain, breast

tenderness, depression and a decreased interest in sex. But it has

also been shown to reduce the risk of noncancerous breast cysts,

infections of the fallopian tubes, iron deficiency anaemia and

ectopic, or tubal, pregnancies.