Fewer cases of breast cancer in Sweden
The number of Swedish women 45 years or older who are afflicted with breast cancer is falling for the first time in Sweden.
Statistics released by the National Board of Health and Welfare show that this reduction started six years ago, following publication of an American study linking hormone replacement therapy to breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes.
In Sweden and several other countries, the use of hormones like estrogen and progestin by post-menopausal women was cut in half following an alarming report by WHI, the Women’s Health Institute.
“It is good news that women in Sweden are getting breast cancer less often, now that we understand one should be more cautious with hormone treatment,” says Cecillia Magnusson of the Karolinska Institutet.
Approximately 150,000 Swedish women are treated with hormone therapy each year to help relieve symptoms of menopause, which can include insomnia, mood swings and hot flashes.
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Statistics released by the National Board of Health and Welfare show that this reduction started six years ago, following publication of an American study linking hormone replacement therapy to breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes.
In Sweden and several other countries, the use of hormones like estrogen and progestin by post-menopausal women was cut in half following an alarming report by WHI, the Women’s Health Institute.
“It is good news that women in Sweden are getting breast cancer less often, now that we understand one should be more cautious with hormone treatment,” says Cecillia Magnusson of the Karolinska Institutet.
Approximately 150,000 Swedish women are treated with hormone therapy each year to help relieve symptoms of menopause, which can include insomnia, mood swings and hot flashes.
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