Hormone replacement therapy for women after breast carcinoma

The use of hormone replacement therapy after the diagnosis of breast cancer has been contra-indicated because of the fear of precipitating a relapse. However, many survivors of breast cancer experience debilitating symptoms as a consequence of oestrogen deficiency and over the long term are at an increased risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease or a hip fractures because they are denied hormone replacement therapy. The past year saw definitive reviews on this subject as well as publication of the largest case-controlled study of hormone therapy in women with a history of breast cancer. The encouraging findings of these non-randomized studies have prompted the commencement of prospective studies to evaluate the benefits and risks of this practice. It is no longer contra-indicated to prescribe hormone replacement therapy to selected women after a history of breast cancer but it remains controversial and more information is required.