The thoughts of breast cancer survivors regarding the need for starting hormone replacement therapy

There is not only a need for scientific data regarding the risk of recurrence of breast cancer by starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but also regarding the patients' needs for HRT.

To examine the severity of climacteric complaints in breast cancer patients and to examine if they are willing to take HRT.

In November 2003, a questionnaire was sent to 469 breast cancer survivors. The survey examined on a scale base the severity of climacteric complaints and the patient's opinion on starting HRT.

More than 76% of the patients complained that they experience or had experienced hot flushes or night sweating. More than half (53%) of this group found the inconvenience severe to extreme, affecting the patient's quality of life. A majority (80.5%) patients who had already taken HRT, found that it improved their quality of life substantially. When the results of observational studies were explained regarding HRT in breast cancer survivors, a majority said they would take or would consider taking HRT (57.9%).

While physicians are more reserved in prescribing HRT in breast cancer survivors, a combination of severe symptomatic climacteric complaints and the willingness of the patient to be treated should at least result in a "consideration" of prescribing HRT.