The Health Diva

The female breast contains receptors that are specifically stimulated by the presence of oestrogen, one of the female sex hormones, which results in the production of more breast tissue. This has lead to concern about the use of hormonal based medications such as the pill and HRT.

The Pill

Studies have found that women who are using birth control pills have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them. Women who have not used the pill for at least 10 years do not seem to have any increased risk. Women should talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits of birth control pills.

HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a treatment used to help women deal with the menopause. HRT is believed to increase the risk of breast cancer.

“Putting women on HRT is giving the body oestrogen at a stage when it would not normally have it,” says nutritionist Marilyn Glenville. “The more exposure we have, the more likely we are to get breast cancer.”

According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 70 percent of breast cancers are oestrogen-driven. “The bottom line is that HRT does increase breast cancer risk”.

If you are taking hormonal medications, and are concerned about the breast cancer links, or have a family history of breast cancer; talk to your GP or nutritionist about the alternatives available for you.