[Menopausal hormonal therapies: impact on mammographic breast density]

Abstract

Whether qualitative-classified or quantitative-measured, mammographic density, which changes according to physiological variations, is nowadays commonly recognized as a factor increasing the relative risk of breast cancer. The present review aims at clarifying the impact of menopausal hormonal therapies on mammographic density. Neither Tibolone nor Raloxifene seem to have any negative impact on mammographic density. In some instances, oestrogens-progestin hormonal replacement therapies may increase mammographic density and thus reduce sensitivity and specificity of screening mammograms. Shorter intervals between mammographies combined with additional physical examination and breast ultrasonography appear to be the best way to reduce interval cancers.