ask: Can breast cancer survivors - estrogen positive - take HRT?

Hi kelly

Thanks for your post and welcome! Congratulations on being a cancer survivor!

I answered a similar question for another one of our readers. Generally speaking, HRT increases the risk of breast cancer and even more so in women who have already had breast cancer. You can read more here: http://www.empowher.com/community/ask/it-safe-woman-use-hrt-after-breast...

Let us know what you think and thanks for writing!

~Susan

Short answer, no. And by "complete hysterectomy", I take it you mean total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, where the surgeon made an abdominal incision and took out your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Most gynecologists and oncologists think hormone replacement therapy can increase risk of metastasis in breast cancer survivors. They also think if the metastasis takes place, it will move faster with HRT. I don't think any reputable physician would prescribe HRT if your breast cancer was confirmed as estrogen receptive. A gynecologist may feel that vaginal estrogens might be safe if you've been in remission for a while.

Hi Kelly - As a breast cancer survivor for more than 20 years I can tell you personally the answer is no, absolutely not. Thanks for coming to EmpowHER with your question, and I hope for the best for you in your life as a cancer survivor.
Take care,
Pat