HRT and women who have had breast or endometrial cancer

The benefits of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in preventing vasomotor symptoms, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and colon cancer are well documented. Other potential benefits i.e. dementia and macular degeneration are being investigated. Although oestrogen is said to be contraindicated in women previously treated for breast and endometrial cancer, there is no data to support this admonition. Preliminary data would suggest ERT can be used safely in women who have had these cancers. Prospective randomised studies are currently on going in the United States and Europe addressing ERT in previously treated breast and endometrial cancer. Informed consent, patients' desires, and benefit-risk considerations are all part of information the woman needs to make a decision concerning ERT.