Cancer risk is often on our minds when we consider hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms. It can be hard to sift through all the studies that seem to contradict each other at times.
Thankfully, there are specific cancer screening protocols in place during the transition into menopause. Just as important are discussions about symptom management in those already diagnosed or treated for cancer.
Notable Quotes
I am always searching for current information on non-hormonal treatment of hot flashes and vaginal dryness appropriate for women with history of breast cancer.
M.J.
I have a history of breast cancer in my family so I fear taking hormones.
Lee
Because I experienced menopause after cancer and hysterectomy at age 42, before I had even entered perimenopause, its initial effects were sudden and intense. I had great input from my oncologist and from protected websites.
Marcelle
I want up to date information on postmenopause and effects on cancer risk.
Theresa
More Information
Blog posts tagged as cancer:- I Found Out I Had Cancer Through a Patient Portal
- Hormones, Then & Now
- Voices With Vigor: Caregiver Collaborators
- How To Swallow A Pill
- Voices With Vigor: Cancer Support Angels
- Please Be Dying, But Not Too Quickly
- Keeping it Real: A Candid Conversation on Caregiving, Connection, and Presence
- Menopause! The Conference.
- How to Effectively Work with Your Healthcare Team
- Navigating Your Health
Additional Video Links
Resources:
- Connect & Thrive is a comprehensive website supporting cancer patients, thrivers, and caregivers by providing access to evidence-based healing modalities and healthy living products.
- Hormones and cancer… a good article, “Hormone therapy use and young-onset breast cancer: a pooled analysis of prospective cohorts included in the Premenopausal Breast Cancer Collaborative Group” from The Lancet, Oncology (July 2025).
- Inspire is an online community to connect with patients and caregivers for those with many types of cancers, including breast and ovarian.
- Cancer Lifeline is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that optimizes the quality of life for all people living with cancer… helping cancer patients build strength through free support groups, classes in nutrition, exercise, personal expression and stress reduction, and personalized emotional support.
- MiddlesexMD is a good resource for articles such as Sex After Breast Cancer.
Wild Card
Looking for a comfortable bra after breast reconstruction or radiation therapy? Try MakeMerry products (designed by a female physician – radiation oncologist).