Hormone replacement therapy in women with a history of breast carcinoma

Abstract

Hormone replacement therapy in women with a history of successfully treated breast cancer is felt to be contraindicated. Very little direct information is available regarding the effect of such therapy in this patient population. This article reviews the evidence both supporting and refuting a causative role for estrogen and progesterone in breast cancer. The majority of evidence supports such a role. The use of tamoxifen as an alternative treatment modality is examined.