[Hormonal aspects of nipple cancer]

A substantial body of experimental, clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that hormones play a major role in the aetiology of breast cancer. The role of endogenous and exogenous hormones in the development of breast cancer is discussed. The oestrogen's molecular mechanism of influence on breast cancer cells and hormonal drugs are presented. Combined analysis of currently available studies shows, that breast cancer risk is not increased with the use of oral contraceptives (with the exception for the young women using them for more than 10 years). In healthy postmenopausal women the benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy can outweigh the risk of developing of breast cancer. The overall risk and benefits of hormone replacement therapy among breast cancer survivors remain uncertain and it's prescription should be undertaken cautiously.