Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
TUESDAY, 17TH FEBRUARY 2015 Over the weekend there were many news articles regarding a new report published in the Lancet that provides new evidence on the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and the risk of developing the two most common types of ovarian cancer. The report, which is based on an analysis of 52 studies involving 20,000 women from several countries, including Australia, estimated that for women starting HRT at age 50 years, five years use of HRT would result in around one additional case of ovarian cancer per 1,000 users of HRT. The additional risk associated with HRT use is less 10 years after ceasing HRT use, but not eliminated completely. While this additional risk is statistically significant, it is important to understand that the lifetime risk of an Australian woman developing ovarian cancer in the general population is small (about 1 in 78 Australia) due to the rarity of ovarian cancer so, even with a 40% increase, it is still a rare disease. The study does not address the risk of recurrence for women who have already been treated for ovarian cancer and subsequently treated with HRT and women younger than 55 years with a hysterectomy were excluded. According to Professor Penny Webb (Group Leader, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute), “There is currently no good evidence to suggest use of HRT might affect the risk of recurrence among women who have previously been treated for ovarian cancer, but it has been associated with better quality of life. Like most things in life, there are risks and benefits associated with HRT use. We now know more about the risks but these are low, especially for shortterm use, and these risks have to be balanced against the benefits of HRT in terms of its relief of menopausal symptoms.” Women who have been treated for ovarian cancer should consult with their GP or specialist if they are concerned about taking HRT. This study adds to our body of knowledge on ovarian cancer risk factors but the picture is not yet complete. For example, we don’t know how this risk would relate to women already identified to be “at risk” of ovarian cancer, such as for women with genetic mutations (eg BRCA1/2) and/or a family history of ovarian cancer. Research priorities identified in the National Action Plan for Ovarian Cancer Research led by Ovarian Cancer Australia include the need for more research to better understand the risk factors and how this knowledge may be translated into prevention strategies. For more information, call us 1300 660 334.