Resumo

MARTINEZ MORALES, Gilberto. Hormonal replacement therapy and cancer. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2004, vol.55, n.1, pp.48-69. ISSN 0034-7434.

The fear towards some types of cancer in special the breast cancer related to the use of hormonal replacement therapy has been matter of controversy and permanent investigation during the last three decades. At the beginning of this new millennium the published information has permitted to obtain more clarity in the theme. In spite of new methodologies used in the studies we are still far from the truth. Probably more than the results themselves, it is the interpretation, diffusion and management that it is given to the results themselves which impacts the most the decision-making process in the medical practice. Population, racial, and geographic differences within others have also shown great differences in relation with the risk of suffering a specific cancer. Economic barriers have also limited the exposure to cancerous agents. The relationship between cancer and the combinations of estrogens plus progesterone and with the natural conjugated estrogens alone is more defined now; but it does not occur the same with the new molecules, the different combinations, the distinct ways of administration and the low doses that are being used. The physician must appeal each time more to the tools that epidemiology supplies to have a better comprehension of information transmitted to his patients. Also, health systems must facilitate to both of the sufficient space to make a healthy decision.

Palavras-chave : cancer; menopause; hormonal therapy.

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