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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask if you would go back on HRT if your sibling had breast cancer?

25 replies

hydroxyapatite · 03/02/2023 10:37

I was on HRT, then stopped when my sister got breast cancer. Her oncologist has said that he doesn't believe the HRT was the cause - she thinks it might have fed it, but obviously who knows? She didn't test positive for BRCA gene.

Something has materialised health wise for which HRT would be really productive. Plus, I have terrible terrible sleep and HRT really helped that - although I wouldn't go back on just for that.

I guess I'm asking what you would do in my situation - would you consider going back on, or am I being a fool and ushering in a lot of risk?

And - how do I assess the risks? I don't even know what data or path i can take to get a honest picture.

OP posts:
Original poster
hydroxyapatite · 03/02/2023 10:38

Ps - I meant her oncologist didn't think HER being on HRT (which she was) caused it

OP posts:
wonderstuff · 03/02/2023 10:47

I would want to find out the risks and weigh them up, there’s no easy answer and not taking HRT could also have a risk attached.
My mum has just had breast cancer having been in HRT for many years, she’s stopped HRT now obviously but there’s no indication that was the cause of her cancer, I guess no real way of knowing. I certainly wouldn’t rule it out for myself due to my mothers experience. I am however keen to make my lifestyle healthier as that seems more important.

Can your GP talk you through risks? I know it’s not always easy and they aren’t always best informed.. my mum recently had a really good nurse practitioner appointment to discuss risks associated with various medications and lifestyle issues, would be so good if this sort of thing was available as a preventative measure rather than just for cancer patients.

AhNowTed · 03/02/2023 12:28

Hi OP

My mother died of breast cancer in her mid 50s, and there's cancer on my father's side as well.

My GP is firmly against me taking HRT, and I agree with them.

My sister had horrendous menopause symptoms and she took it, but it's not a risk I'm prepared to take.

Yamaya · 03/02/2023 12:31

Isn't it something ridiculous like 1 in 11 or 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer? My mum died of breast cancer but the breast specialist at the local hospital told me I am at no more risk of it than anyone else. Only if you have several members of your close family had it.
Can you make an appointment with your gp to discuss?

teawouldbenice · 03/02/2023 13:46

If you can afford it you should speak to a specialist rather than a GP as they'll have up to date information on the benefits and risks. I went to Susannah as opposed to GP as I wanted a full discussion as opposed to a 10 minute conversation with a random GP. Worth every penny, although I appreciate this may not be an option for you. GP's can refer to menopause clinics too. cambridgewomenshealth.co.uk/about-dr-unsworth/

romany4 · 03/02/2023 14:03

My gp had advised me against taking HRT because
My mum had womb and cervical cancer
My nan had womb cancer
My nans older sister had breast cancer
My nans younger sister had ovarian cancer

I'm 51 and don't want to take the risk. I've already had to go to the breast clinic twice for lumps and investigations.
HOWEVER
My gp had said that now there are patches and gels, that the risk is much lower so it's always an option if I want to try it

paranoidmumdroid1 · 03/02/2023 14:11

My younger sister had breast cancer at 35. Doesn't have the braca gene but the specialist/geneticist apparently said she probably had a gene they can't test for yet due to family history etc.

I'm taking HRT at 47. Tbh it has saved me from suicidal thoughts so it's a risk I'm willing to take for the immense personal benefits. I do use a private menopause clinic, not via a GP.

CrapBucket · 03/02/2023 14:19

For me it hinges on what the 'something' is that you mention.

But in principle - I'm a non smoker, not overweight, keep active, and don't drink much. I am in good health so I would take HRT if I had bad menopause symptoms because I've done everything else I can to look after my body.

My mum died of cancer and my family tree is riddled with cancer and dementia. So I live the healthiest I can, but with the awareness I will probably get cancer and dementia at some point regardless. In the meantime I aim to be well enough to enjoy life rather than endure it. Hope this makes sense and good luck to your sister.

Original poster
hydroxyapatite · 03/02/2023 14:54

teawouldbenice · 03/02/2023 13:46

If you can afford it you should speak to a specialist rather than a GP as they'll have up to date information on the benefits and risks. I went to Susannah as opposed to GP as I wanted a full discussion as opposed to a 10 minute conversation with a random GP. Worth every penny, although I appreciate this may not be an option for you. GP's can refer to menopause clinics too. cambridgewomenshealth.co.uk/about-dr-unsworth/

This is really helpful. Thanks. Would you say Susannah is a good person for the sort of discussion I want? I don't need a full menopausal assessment - I'm through that - it's a very specific conversation that I want to have.

She looks good but also young!

OP posts:
Original poster
hydroxyapatite · 03/02/2023 14:56

Thanks all. I've been diagnosed with osteoporosis. So whilst I've had osteopenia for years, and i do everything I can (diet, strength work yada yada), estrogen can maintain the bone. I'm only young, so it felt like something to consider.

OP posts:
teawouldbenice · 03/02/2023 15:48

hydroxyapatite · 03/02/2023 14:54

This is really helpful. Thanks. Would you say Susannah is a good person for the sort of discussion I want? I don't need a full menopausal assessment - I'm through that - it's a very specific conversation that I want to have.

She looks good but also young!

Show quote history

I think so. I chose her as I've got a strong family history of cancers including breast and she works in the breast clinic at Addenrbookes aswell as her womens health work. She gave me peace of mind that I was doing the right thing. Afterwards I had one follow up appointment with her but then gave my GP all her letters and now have follow up and prescriptions from them. You could drop her a message as see if she's happy to just have a short appointment without the full assessment?

GabriellaMontez · 03/02/2023 16:10

I'm not an expert but I do know there are different types of breast cancer.
For example some women are treated with tamoxifen and others aren't.

You need more details about the type your sister has and then an expert (her Dr??? Or even try a GP ) can help you.

Rosscameasdoody · 04/02/2023 21:02

AhNowTed · 03/02/2023 12:28

Hi OP

My mother died of breast cancer in her mid 50s, and there's cancer on my father's side as well.

My GP is firmly against me taking HRT, and I agree with them.

My sister had horrendous menopause symptoms and she took it, but it's not a risk I'm prepared to take.

I’m the same. My mum has had breast cancer three times - the first diagnosed after a few months of HRT. Dad died of bowel cancer. GP wouldn’t prescribe HRT on those grounds.

OverProtectiveMumOfPFB · 04/02/2023 21:05

I think my first question would be if I were to take it, how closely and how would they monitor me?

Rosscameasdoody · 04/02/2023 21:06

GabriellaMontez · 03/02/2023 16:10

I'm not an expert but I do know there are different types of breast cancer.
For example some women are treated with tamoxifen and others aren't.

You need more details about the type your sister has and then an expert (her Dr??? Or even try a GP ) can help you.

Tamoxifen is used to treat hormone receptor positive breast cancers. Mum took it for five years after a mastectomy and remained cancer free for ten years.

LadyGardenersQuestionTime · 04/02/2023 21:11

My sister died of breast cancer, but I’m taking HRT and plan to stay on it for the rest of my life. It does depend on the cancer, and the wider family history, and for me when I was making the decision i felt the benefits outweighed the risks.

CommonSenseIsRare · 04/02/2023 21:26

I always felt that taking anything like HRT after hormonal led breast cancer was a bad idea. However, after a course led by McMillan, in which they explained the risks very clearly, I’d have taken it if necessary. They felt that there was a lack of understanding in general about HRT being prescribed to women following treatment for breast cancer.

Tamoxifen increases the risk of ovarian cancer but reduces the risk of breast cancer returning. It’s now also recommended for 10 years rather than 5.

Swings and roundabouts.

Willyoujustbequiet · 04/02/2023 21:38

My mum had breast cancer. I won't take HRT and will try and manage symptons naturally. For me its simply not worth the risk.

Partyandbullshit · 04/02/2023 21:46

I too would seek out the most knowledgeable expert I could afford, to help me choose the least bad thing for my body.

GarlandsinGreece · 04/02/2023 21:49

I would take it. This article in this week’s NY Times was enlightening:

www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/magazine/menopause-hot-flashes-hormone-therapy.html

Original poster
hydroxyapatite · 04/02/2023 22:19

CommonSenseIsRare · 04/02/2023 21:26

I always felt that taking anything like HRT after hormonal led breast cancer was a bad idea. However, after a course led by McMillan, in which they explained the risks very clearly, I’d have taken it if necessary. They felt that there was a lack of understanding in general about HRT being prescribed to women following treatment for breast cancer.

Tamoxifen increases the risk of ovarian cancer but reduces the risk of breast cancer returning. It’s now also recommended for 10 years rather than 5.

Swings and roundabouts.

Yes. Sadly, I had a friend who got endometrial cancer after taking tamoxiflen for breast cancer.

OP posts:
lljkk · 04/02/2023 22:36

I value quality of life far over quantity, so seems like no brainer if I was sure HRT made an immediate improvement to my quality of life. I would go back on it for better sleep alone. The rest of the decision (harms or benefits) is maybe maybe maybe maybe.

Original poster
hydroxyapatite · 04/02/2023 22:42

I do get that quality of life matters. I get that I have a confirmed osteoporosis diagnosis, which it might make a small difference to, as opposed to not taking it because I might get breast c.

But it's a tough one!

OP posts:
Theluggage15 · 04/02/2023 23:13

I would recommend talking to a specialist not a GP, many GPs are very out of date with their advice.

GreenBiscuitr · 04/02/2023 23:25

I was advised not to have HRT because of the risks after I had my womb removed. I'm doing ok without it though.

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