More women than usual have been contacting an Irish breast cancer helpline following the latest study linking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the disease.
Ten times the number of usual daily calls were received by mid-afternoon yesterday at the Action Breast Cancer helpline of the Irish Cancer Society.
The new study, published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, found that women using the combined oestrogen-progestogen HRT treatment were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as those who did not use it at all, particularly if they were on it for a long time. More than a million women aged between 50 and 64 took part in the study.
In Ireland, HRT products are licensed for the relief of acute menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats and the prevention of osteoporosis. Ms Abby Langtry, project leader of Action Breast Cancer, said yesterday there had been huge reaction to the study.
"The average number of calls would be seven or eight a day but already we have had 70 calls. I would say that women will continue to call us over the next few days. I hope they do, so that we can give information," she said.
Ms Langtry said the connection between HRT and breast cancer had been known for some time. The difference with this study was that it found that taking combined HRT over a long period doubled the risk.
"Our main message to women is not to panic and if they are taking HRT then they should continue to do so. Don't stop it suddenly. If you have been on it for a long time, then talk to your GP," she said. Taking HRT was not recommended for long periods such as 10 years, she said. "We would say, take HRT for no longer than three years and a maximum of five years if needed. HRT is basically a medicine which manages menopausal symptoms. Like all medicines, there is a risk."
Women considering HRT should go to their GP for a risk assessment, she said. They would also need to have a mammogram. All women on HRT should be "breast-aware" so that they could recognise any changes. They should also have an annual mammogram while on HRT, she said.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB), in a statement, also said the study did not necessitate urgent treatment changes.
"However, it is recommended the women discuss their treatment with their doctor, as each case should be evaluated in light of each individual's ultimate medical benefits from the treatment," it said.
The IMB said the increased risk of breast cancer associated with HRT products had been recognised since the products were first marketed and had been the subject of ongoing review by the IMB and its EU counterparts.
Currently all information for patients on HRT carried extensive warnings and information on breast cancer. Patient information leaflets for all HRT products clearly stated that they should not be prescribed for women with a history of breast cancer or suspected breast cancer, and should only be prescribed with caution for women with a family history of breast cancer.
"The IMB reminds healthcare professionals that the decision to use HRT should be determined on an individual basis taking into account the age, history and risk factors. In addition, the individual's risks and benefits should be regularly reappraised with continued HRT use," it said.
The Irish Cancer Society has a fact sheet and the Action Breast Cancer helpline is: 1800 40 90 40.