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Short-term (1-2 mo) hormone therapy cessation before mammography
Susan D Reed1, Diana S M Buist, Melissa L Anderson
1Group Health Center for Health Studies, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. reeds@u.washington.edu
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|May 21, 2009
Summary
Most women are unwilling to stop hormone therapy (HT) for mammography screening, even for short periods. Factors influencing willingness to cease HT exist but may not be clinically significant for improving mammogram accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Healthcare providers suggest discontinuing hormone therapy (HT) before mammography to enhance screening accuracy.
- Evaluating patient willingness to temporarily cease HT is crucial for implementing this recommendation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the characteristics of women willing to consider stopping hormone therapy (HT) before screening mammography.
- To identify factors associated with women's willingness to participate in HT cessation protocols for improved mammogram performance.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial, the Radiological Evaluation and Breast Density study, was conducted from 2004-2007.
- Women aged 45-80 using HT were invited to participate in groups with 0, 1, or 2 months of cessation.
- Willingness to participate was analyzed against demographic, clinical, and mammographic factors.
Main Results:
- Out of 5,861 invited women, 54% did not participate, being older, less educated, and having lower BMIs.
- Nearly 60% of non-participants were unwilling to stop HT.
- Among estrogen-plus-progestin users, a family history of breast cancer was associated with lower odds of refusal.
Conclusions:
- The majority of women are unwilling to temporarily stop hormone therapy (HT) for mammography accuracy.
- While some factors predict willingness to cease HT, their clinical significance for improving mammographic accuracy may be limited.
- Patient adherence to HT cessation recommendations for mammography requires further investigation.
