BMS PPMC Resources Toolkit
What are the considerations with regard to HRT and breast cancer?
The resources on this page are evidence-based, peer reviewed and focus on addressing the key question What are the considerations with regard to HRT and breast cancer?
BMS TV
BMS TV is a series of short videos covering some of the key topics in menopause care by leading specialists in their field.
HRT and the risk of breast cancer
Miss Jo Marsden, Consultant Breast Surgeon (retired), and Past Member – BMS medical advisory council, answers these FAQs: What is the risk of breast cancer with HRT? Is there a difference in the risk of breast cancer with oestrogen only HRT (in women who had a hysterectomy) compared to that with combined oestrogen progestogen HRT? How does the risk of breast with HRT compare to the risk of breast cancer with other lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake and obesity? Should I reduce the dose of my HRT intake to lower my risk of breast cancer with HRT? I went into the menopause in my early 40s. My doctor recommended I take HRT but I concerned about the risks. Will HRT increase my risk of breast cancer? Does vaginal oestrogen intake increase the risk of breast cancer?
Post cancer treatments
Dr Paula Briggs, Consultant in Sexual & Reproductive Health, Liverpool Women’s Hospital and Chairman – British Menopause Society, answers these FAQs: Are treatments for urogenital atrophy safe to use in women with a history of a hormone dependent cancer? What about urogenital atrophy treatment for women with a history of non-hormonal dependent cancer? Can women with a history of breast cancer use HRT? In a patient who has had surgical treatment for low grade/stage endometrioid endometrial cancer, is HRT contraindicated? Can you give advice in relation to menopause management after surgical management for ovarian cancer? Is hormonal therapy okay after cervical cancer? What about HRT for women who have been treated for bladder cancer?
BMS Tools for Clinicians
A range of resources developed for healthcare professionals to summarise NICE guidance and to clarify some of the most common myths and misconceptions of menopause.
Fast Facts: HRT and breast cancer risk
Understanding the risks of breast cancer infographic
BMS Consensus Statements
BMS consensus statements, prepared by specialists from the medical advisory council, address key disorders and controversial topics relating to menopause and post reproductive health. The consensus statements are evidence-based, comprehensively referenced and peer reviewed.
Other resources
BMS News
RCOG and BMS joint statement
RCOG and BMS welcome Women’s Health Initiative’s (WHI) study on HRT and breast cancer incidence and mortality – July 2020.
HRT and breast cancer statement in response to EMA Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee recommendations
BMS, IMS, EMAS, RCOG and AMS joint statement on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and breast cancer risk in response to EMA Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee recommendations in May 2020.
Information for women is available on the Women’s Health Concern website.