HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY 'RAISES BREAST CANCER DANGER'

WOMEN who take the combined hormone replacement therapy long term could be dramatically increasing their chance of developing breast cancer, research suggests.
Scientists in California found that the risk was 83 per cent greater for those using the oestrogen and progesterone combined pill for 15 or more years.
Dr Claire Knight, of Cancer Research UK, said: “This study confirms that risk is increased for women who are using HRT, but that it gradually returns to normal after stopping treatment.”
The study is the latest in a string of conflicting reports.
Dr John Stevenson, a HRT expert at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, said: “The risk is less than that seen with so many physical and lifestyle factors.
“So women should not be put off taking HRT for any length of time if they need it.”