Influence of the dramatic fall of HRT prescription on postmenopausal breast cancer incidence: the Austrian Data

Abstract

Aims: The Women's Health Initiative trial showed a significant increase in breast cancer risk among women using HRT. This publication led to a dramatic fall in HRT prescription worldwide. Several studies argued that the ensuing decline in breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal women was due to the reduced HRT prescriptions. We have investigated whether the strong decline in HRT prescription in Austrian women from 2002 onwards was associated with a decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer incidence in Austria. Methods: Breast cancer incidence data were obtained from the National Austrian cancer registry. HRT prescription data were calculated using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data. Hormone receptor expression data were taken from the pathology report of all breast cancer patients, who were operated at the Division of Special Gynecology as well as the Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna (MUW), during 1998–2000, and 2005–2007, respectively. Chi Square test was used to identify significant differences.