Warning! These common hormone therapies may increase breast cancer risk

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Exogenous hormones play a certain role in the development of breast cancer, such as oral contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are a common contraceptive method and are widely used. However, many studies have shown that the use of OCPs is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. A case-control study conducted in China by Yuan X et al. found that premenopausal women who used OCPs for a short period of time (1 to 6 months) were more likely to develop breast cancer than those who had never used them. Similarly, Mørch et al.'s long-term follow-up of Danish women also found that OCP users were more likely to develop breast cancer. In addition, the meta-analysis results of Barańska et al. showed that frequent use of OCPs increases the risk of triple-negative breast cancer. These research results suggest that the use of OCPs may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially for long-term or frequent users.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is an important means to relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. However, a meta-analysis showed that MHT is a risk factor for breast cancer , whether it is estrogen alone or estrogen-progestin combination preparations**, and the risk of disease increases with the duration of treatment**. However, it is worth noting that the risk of disease gradually decreases after cessation of use and can return to the level of the general population in about 5 years. This shows that the effect of MHT on breast cancer risk is reversible.

In summary, there is a certain association between exogenous hormones, especially oral contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy, and the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, when using these drugs, women should fully understand their potential risks and use them reasonably under the guidance of a doctor. At the same time, regular breast cancer screening and physical examinations are also important means of preventing breast cancer through scientific lifestyle and medical intervention.