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Sex hormones and cancer
1Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom.
IARC Scientific Publications
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Sex hormones clearly impact cancer risk, particularly in women. Evidence suggests hormones influence endometrial and breast cancer by altering cell division rates, though mechanisms for other hormone-related cancers remain less understood.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hormonal influences on cancer risk are well-established in specific cases.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of hormone-driven cancers is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known effects of hormones on cancer risk and cellular mechanisms.
- To highlight the well-understood relationship between sex hormones and endometrial cancer.
- To discuss the less understood roles of hormones in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hormone-cancer relationships.
- Analysis of evidence linking hormone exposure to cellular changes in target tissues.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on hormonal carcinogenesis.
Main Results:
- Sex hormones have a clear effect on endometrial cancer risk, acting via altered cell division rates.
- Hormonal mechanisms for breast cancer risk are suggested but not fully elucidated.
- Mechanisms for ovarian and cervical cancer remain largely unknown, despite hormonal links.
Conclusions:
- Sex hormones are key factors in hormone-related cancers, especially in women.
- Altered cell division is a primary mechanism for hormone-induced cancer.
- Further research is needed to fully understand hormonal carcinogenesis in various cancer types.