choose to take up the NHS offer of HRT is stopped and after 5 years or less mammography screening. risk is no longer evident. Most studies have found HRT containing oestrogen only Breast Cancer UK do not offer advice on slightly elevates breast cancer risk. mammography screening for breast However, this type of therapy may not be cancer. As mentioned, BCUK believes suitable for all women. women should decide whether they Q. Does the contraceptive pill and other participate in the NHS screening types of hormonal contraceptive increase programme and that their decision should breast cancer risk? be based on a full understanding of the A: The contraceptive pill contains potential risks and benefits. We synthetic oestrogen and/or synthetic encourage women to read about progestogen. Studies have use of screening protocols (available online and combined oral contraceptives (oestrogen in freely available booklets) and discuss and progestogen) slightly increases breast individual options with their physicians. cancer risk. The risk is no longer evident 10 years after use has stopped. Some For information about mammography studies suggest progestogen-only screening please see the following contraceptives may not be associated with websites: increased risk. More studies are needed to Public Health England (2013). NHS breast confirm this. Other types of hormonal screening helping you decide. contraceptives include injections and hormone releasing intrauterine systems which contain progestogen, and patches and vaginal rings which use both oestrogen and progestogen. There are The Independent UK Panel on Breast fewer studies into risk associated with Cancer (2012). The Benefits and Harms of these types of contraceptives, although Breast Cancer Screening: An Independent the risks are thought to be similar to the Review. contraceptive pill. Some studies have indicated that use of injections increases Q. Does HRT cause breast cancer? breast cancer risk, although more studies A: Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, are needed to confirm this. can increase breast cancer risk. Combined HRT (a combination of oestrogen and progestin (synthetic progestogen) increases risk considerably more than oestrogen alone. The longer HRT is taken, the higher the risk; it is estimated that HRT increases the risk of breast cancer 2.7 fold, if it is taken for around five and a half years. Risk is immediately reduced when
choose to take up the NHS offer of mammography screening. Breast Cancer UK do not offer advice on mammography screening for breast cancer. As mentioned, BCUK believes women should decide whether they participate in the NHS screening programme and that their decision should be based on a full understanding of the potential risks and benefits. We encourage women to read about screening protocols (available online and in freely available booklets) and discuss individual options with their physicians. For information about mammography screening please see the following websites: Public Health England (2013). NHS breast screening helping you decide. The Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer (2012). The Benefits and Harms of Breast Cancer Screening: An Independent Review. Q. Does HRT cause breast cancer? A: Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can increase breast cancer risk. Combined HRT (a combination of oestrogen and progestin (synthetic progestogen) increases risk considerably more than oestrogen alone. The longer HRT is taken, the higher the risk; it is estimated that HRT increases the risk of breast cancer 2.7 fold, if it is taken for around five and a half years. Risk is immediately reduced when HRT is stopped and after 5 years or less risk is no longer evident. Most studies have found HRT containing oestrogen only slightly elevates breast cancer risk. However, this type of therapy may not be suitable for all women. Q. Does the contraceptive pill and other types of hormonal contraceptive increase breast cancer risk? A: The contraceptive pill contains synthetic oestrogen and/or synthetic progestogen. Studies have use of combined oral contraceptives (oestrogen and progestogen) slightly increases breast cancer risk. The risk is no longer evident 10 years after use has stopped. Some studies suggest progestogen-only contraceptives may not be associated with increased risk. More studies are needed to confirm this. Other types of hormonal contraceptives include injections and hormone releasing intrauterine systems which contain progestogen, and patches and vaginal rings which use both oestrogen and progestogen. There are fewer studies into risk associated with these types of contraceptives, although the risks are thought to be similar to the contraceptive pill. Some studies have indicated that use of injections increases breast cancer risk, although more studies are needed to confirm this.
Ambassador_Attendee_FAQs_Updated_Oct_18.docx