“Cancer risk from HRT is small and depends on
many different things. This includes the type of HRT used,
how long someone takes it for, their age, and…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Cancer Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Bowel/Colon/Rectum Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Cervical Cancer/Cancer of the Cervix
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Therapy (HT)
- Lung Cancer
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Ovarian Cancer/Cancer of the Ovary
- Uterine/Womb/Endometrial Cancer
Terminology
What can it be important to be clear about with hormone therapy (HT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and cancer information?
It can be important to be clear about the type of HT such as estrogen therapy (ET) or estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT).
What can it also be important to be clear about with HT, HRT or MHT and cancer information?
It can also be important to be clear about the type of cancer (e.g. breast, ovarian or uterus/womb cancer).
Risk
What is cancer risk from HT?
In Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Should I Take HRT? the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK elaborate on:
Who is a GP?
Dots and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Cancer Risk Reduction
How can the risk of cancer be reduced?
In Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Should I Take HRT? Cancer Research UK also note:
- Stopping smoking
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Drinking less alcohol”.3
Risks and Benefits
Is HT effective for the treatment of menopausal symptoms?
In Risks and Benefits of MHT: Key Points the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:
- “For the majority of symptomatic women, the benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) outweigh the risks”.4
Breast Cancer Risk

Can taking HT increase breast cancer risk?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks, published July 2022, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) note:
“Hormone therapy (combined estrogen and progestogen) might slightly increase your risk of breast cancer if used for more than 4 to 5 years. Using estrogen alone (for women without a uterus) does not increase breast cancer risk at 7 years but may increase risk if used for a longer time”.5
On page two and three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:
Ovarian Cancer Risk
Can taking HT increase ovarian cancer risk?
On page two in HRT Benefits and Risks, published November 2020, the (British) Women’s Health Concern note:
“Recent evidence from the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors demonstrated that there may be a slight increased risk of some types of ovarian cancer associated with HRT use but this is small and equates to around 1 extra case of ovarian cancer per 1000 HRT users”.7
Cancer of the Uterus
Can taking HT increase cancer of the uterus risk?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks, published July 2022, the NAM explain:
“If you have a uterus and take estrogen with progestogen, there is no increased risk of cancer of the uterus”.8
History of Cancer
Can HT be taken by those with a history of cancer?
In Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. Who should not use hormone therapy? the NAMS note:
“A. Hormone therapy is not a good choice for every woman. For some, the risks outweigh the benefits, so careful consideration with a healthcare provider is advised. In general, women who have breast cancer, uterine cancer, unexplained uterine bleeding, liver disease, a history of blood clots, and cardiovascular disease should not use hormone therapy”.9
History of Breast Cancer
Can HT be taken by those with a history of breast cancer?
In Making Decisions About Hormone Replacement Therapy, last dated on 30 June 2022, Breastcancer.org elaborate on:
On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:
Health Care Provider
If I choose to use HT what are my risks of cancer?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use the NAMS explain:

“Every woman is different, and you will decide about whether to use HT based on the severity of your symptoms, your personal and family health history, and your own beliefs about menopause treatments. Your healthcare professional will be able to help you with your decision”.12
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Hormone Therapy and Cancer?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy and Cancer?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 2. Myth – Breast Cancer Is the Most Common Cause of Death In Postmenopausal Women
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 3. Misunderstanding – One-Quarter of Women Who Take MHT Get Breast Cancer
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
- BMS Statement on Testosterone
- BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Breast Cancer At the Menopause
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
- Breastcancer.org
- Breastcancernow.org
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Combined Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk?
- Estrogen Dependent Cancers
- Estrogen, Hormone Therapy and Menopause
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Gynecological Cancer At the Menopause
- HRT
- HRT & Menopause Extra
- HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
- HRT: Benefits and Risks
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) With Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong
- Hormone Therapy for Menopause
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
- Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
- Making Decisions About Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Breast Cancer
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy – Fact Sheet
- Menopause
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Breast Cancer & MHT
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Benefits of MHT
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT?
- Menopause Management – Fact Sheet
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things You Need To Know About Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer In-Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Research on Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
- Risks and Benefits of MHT
- Stopping Hormone Replacement Therapy: “Cold Turkey” Menopause
- The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Types of Hormone Therapy
- Understanding Breast Cancer Risk
- Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
- Video Series-2019: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness In Survivors of Breast Cancer and In Those With A High Risk of Breast Cancer
- Video Series-2020: What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Video Series-2023: Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
- Videos and Podcasts: Video – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Women’s Health Initiative – What Can We Believe?
- Webinars: Previous – What To Offer for Vasomotor Symptoms When MHT Is Contraindicated
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
- Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources at:
Sources
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Should I Take HRT? Last Reviewed: 22 March 2023. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk#breast Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Should I Take HRT? Last Reviewed: 22 March 2023. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk#breast Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Should I Take HRT? Last Reviewed: 22 March 2023. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk#breast Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Risks and Benefits of MHT: Key Points. Content Updated January 2021. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/799-risks-and-benefits-of-mht-hrt Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2-3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 31 March 2023
- HRT Benefits and Risks. Updated: November 2020:2. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-know-benefits-risks/ Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. Who should not use hormone therapy? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Making Decisions About Hormone Replacement Therapy. Last Updated on: 30 June 2022. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/hrt/decisions Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2-3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 31 March 2023
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. July 2022: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2023