The thoughts of breast cancer survivors regarding the need for starting hormone replacement therapy.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

There is not only a need for scientific data regarding the risk of recurrence of breast cancer by starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but also regarding the patients' needs for HRT.

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the severity of climacteric complaints in breast cancer patients and to examine if they are willing to take HRT.

METHODS:

In November 2003, a questionnaire was sent to 469 breast cancer survivors. The survey examined on a scale base the severity of climacteric complaints and the patient's opinion on starting HRT.

RESULTS:

More than 76% of the patients complained that they experience or had experienced hot flushes or night sweating. More than half (53%) of this group found the inconvenience severe to extreme, affecting the patient's quality of life. A majority (80.5%) patients who had already taken HRT, found that it improved their quality of life substantially. When the results of observational studies were explained regarding HRT in breast cancer survivors, a majority said they would take or would consider taking HRT (57.9%).

CONCLUSION:

While physicians are more reserved in prescribing HRT in breast cancer survivors, a combination of severe symptomatic climacteric complaints and the willingness of the patient to be treated should at least result in a "consideration" of prescribing HRT.

• Authors: Xuan-Bich Trinh, Frederik Peeters, Wiebren A A Tjalma
• Journal: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology (Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol) Vol. 124 Issue 2 Pg. 250-3 (Feb 01 2006) ISSN: 0301-2115 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 16144734 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Estrogens
• Progesterone

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Attitude to Health
• Breast Neoplasms (psychology)
• Data Collection
• Estrogens (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (adverse effects, psychology)
• Hot Flashes (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local (chemically induced)
• Postmenopause
• Progesterone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Quality of Life
• Risk Factors
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Survivors (psychology)