A new study shows that women diagnosed with non-small cell lung
cancer may have a higher risk for dying if they use estrogen
plus progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Also called
combined hormone therapy, these hormones are used by some women
to help control the symptoms of menopause. Non-small cell lung
cancer is the most common form of lung cancer and smoking is the
most common cause. The study findings were presented at the 2009
American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. Researchers had
analyzed data from more than 16,600 women who participated in
the landmark Women's Health Initiative (WHI). The WHI was
designed to test the effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy,
among other factors, on risk for several chronic diseases. About
15 percent of postmenopausal women in the U.S. use hormone
therapy. Despite the benefits, hormone therapy has many risks.
Women enrolled in the WHI study took combined hormone therapy or
a placebo for almost six years. They were then followed for
another two years. Ov