Users of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) must look out for signs of breast cancer – even after stopping treatment.
A study in The Lancet has confirmed that women who use HRT for longer than a year have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who never use it.
This risk falls once HRT is stopped, but the study shows some increased risk remains for more than 10 years compared with women who have never used the treatment.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Advisory (MHRA) said there is no need for urgent action but women who use, or are planning to use, HRT should be aware of the findings when considering its use at their next routine appointment.
Women who have used HRT should be vigilant for signs of breast cancer and see a doctor if they notice any changes in their breasts.
MHRA’s Sarah Branch said: “Women should be aware of this new information, so that it can be considered with the other risks and benefits of using HRT.”
