IF BREAST CANCER WORRIES YOU ABOUT HRT
Does HRT raise breast cancer risk?
That worry is fair. The NHS says the added risk is low, and gives a number.
THE NUMBER BEHIND THE WORRY
About 5 in 1,000
The NHS says that is roughly the number of extra breast cancer cases among women on combined HRT for 5 years. It calls the increase low.
ESTROGEN-ONLY HRT AND BREAST CANCER
Estrogen-only HRT looks different
The NHS says estrogen-only HRT, the type used after a hysterectomy, brings little or no added breast cancer risk. It also says anyone who has had breast cancer is usually advised not to take HRT.
TIME AND AGE
What moves the risk up or down
- The NHS says risk rises the longer you use HRT
- It also rises with age
- It falls again after HRT stops
- The NHS says using it only as long as symptoms need it lowers risk
WHERE THE US WARNING COMES FROM
Where the boxed warning came from
- The FDA says boxed warnings were added in the early 2000s after a study showed a rise in breast cancer risk that was not statistically significant
- The women averaged 63 and used a formulation no longer common
- In November 2025 the FDA said it was starting to remove breast cancer references from HRT labels
- The NHS says HRT can slightly increase breast cancer risk. Ask your doctor how both views apply to you.
WHEN TO GET IT CHECKED
Worried? Talk it through
The NHS says to speak to a doctor if you're thinking about starting HRT or already taking it, and you're worried about any risks. It also stresses attending your mammogram appointments.
Bring this to your appointment
Questions for your doctor
- Which type of HRT am I on, and how does that affect breast cancer risk?
- How do my age and my own health risks change my numbers?
- How often should I review HRT and have mammograms?
As slides
Sources
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/benefits-and-risk
- U.S. FDA / HHS: www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health
General information, not medical advice.