Women have been using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) like Prempro to combat the effects of menopause and hormonal imbalance caused by hysterectomies for years. It was believed that HRT provided not only relief from symptoms, but other health benefits as well. In 2002 it was announced that HRT could significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, and millions of women stopped the treatment.
Now research shows that diagnoses of breast cancer have dropped sharply, immediately following the reduction in use of HRT. In 2003 breast cancer dropped by 15% in women over 50 and 7% overall. Even more telling is the fact that the types of cancers that dropped were only hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Other types of breast cancers remained the same. We will know more when the statistics for 2004 become available in April, 2007.
If this trend continues, it may be more evidence that HRT actually increased the incidence of breast cancer. If you or a loved one suffered breast cancer after using HRT, you should consult with an experienced pharmaceutical injury attorney to determine if you have a claim.
