Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer

Worldwide, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death Among women in the USA breast cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer death. In Bangladesh breast cancer causes death to over 22,000 women every year and out of them 15,000 without any treatment. In Bangladesh, it is difficult to know the actual number of women who died of breast cancer. It is estimated that, about 17% of the women suffering from cancer are breast cancer suffers. WHO warned that cancer cases would be doubled in the developing countries and bound to jump by 40% in the developed countries by 2020. There is good evidence that use of estrogen and progesterone (HRT) increase the risk of breast cancer. Mostly, it is prescribed to women who have lost their uterus, due to surgical menopause or menopause to prevent the overgrowth of uterine lining. HRT can stimulate breast cell to proliferate . Proliferating cells are more likely to develop the genetic damage that leads to breast cancer. Regular breast cancer screening is essential for all women, especially those who decide to use HRT. Screening includes a combination of breast self exam, annual breast exam and annual mammogram.