Relationship between the type of hormone replacement therapy and incidence of breast cancer in Korea. (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baek, J. K.; Kim, H. I.; Kang, M. J.; Seon, K. E.; Kim, E. H.; Seo, S. K.
• Is Part Of: Climacteric. Volume 25:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 516
• Page End: 522
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Breast cancer -- menopause -- hormone replacement therapy -- tibolone -- incidence -- postmenopausal; Menopause -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Hormone therapy -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Estrogen Replacement Therapy -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 612.665
• DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2022.2077096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-7137

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) types and breast cancer (BC) incidence in postmenopausal women in Korea. Methods: The nested case–control study used data from the National Health Insurance Service database. Among the women aged ≥50 years who menopaused between 2004 and 2007, BC incidence up to 2017 was analyzed in 36, 446 women using or having used HRT for >1 year and in 36, 446 women who did not use any HRT for more than 1 year. HRT types and duration were classified into three categories. Results: BC risk (BCR) decreased with tibolone use for all ages. With HRT initiation in women aged ≥50 years, BCR was lower with tibolone and estrogen–progestogen therapy. HRT for <3 years showed lower BCR with tibolone, while higher BCR was observed with estrogen-only therapy. BCR was lower in women of all ages on HRT for >5 years than in the control group. Conclusions: For women in their 50s, tibolone use lowers BCR; for all ages, the use of any HRT for >5 years showed lower BCR in Korea. These divergent results from western countries could be associated with the specific characteristics of BC in Korea.