“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 the Risk of Cancer? 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 the Risk of Cancer? 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:
Hormone Therapy Alternatives
What are some HT alternatives?
In Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review, published 07 March 2023, the authors note:
“For women who are not candidates for hormonal treatments, nonhormonal approaches such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, gabapentin, paroxetine, and venlafaxine are available and are associated with a reduction in frequency of vasomotor symptoms by approximately 40% to 65%. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is associated with subjective improvement in GSM symptom severity by approximately 60% to 80%, with improvement in severity by 40% to 80% for vaginal prasterone, and with improvement in severity by 30% to 50% for oral ospemifene”.12
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”.13
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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.New or Updated
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- 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: Bioidentical Hormones
- BMS TV: HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits
- BMS TV: HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer
- BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Breast Cancer At the Menopause
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
- Breastcancer.org
- Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk?
- Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
- Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
- Estrogen Dependent Cancers
- 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 – Types, Doses and Regimens
- HRT: Benefits and Risks
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) With Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- 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?]
- How To Prevent Cancer: 6 Ways To Lower Your Risk
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
- Making Decisions About Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review
- 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
- 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 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 and HRT
- Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
- 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
- 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
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- 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
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
- 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-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Video Series-2023: Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
- 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 the Risk of Cancer? 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: 24 August 2023
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer? 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: 24 August 2023
- Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer? 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: 24 August 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: 24 August 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: 24 August 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: 24 August 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: 24 August 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: 24 August 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: 24 August 2023
- Making Decisions About Hormone Replacement Therapy. Last Updated on: 30 June 2022. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/hrt/decisions Accessed: 24 August 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: 24 August 2023
- Crandall, C. J., Mehta, J. M., Manson, J. E. Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review. 07 March 2023 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36749328/ Accessed: 24 August 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: 24 August 2023