Menopausal Hormone Therapy and the Risk of Cancer

Supervisors: Iqbal Ahmad Abdelwahab Al-Zirqi, Siri Vangen, Nathalie C. Støer, Edoardo Botteri, Denise Reis Costa

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death among both men and women in Norway. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is considered among the risk factors for cancer, especially breast cancer. Research results on the association between MHT use and the risk of various cancer forms are not consistent. Therefore, there is uncertainty among clinicians and women regarding the safety of these hormones. This uncertainty has reduced the use of MHT, leaving many women to suffer through menopause because of symptoms of low estrogen, for example, vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes), sleep difficulties, and reduced life quality. Therefore, we need more research regarding exact risk factors to prevent it, treat it earlier, and consequently reduce related mortality.

About the project: The overall long-term aim of this PhD project is to improve women’s health during menopause by calculating the risks of different cancers associated with the use of MHT. Moreover, this project aims to assess the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer associated with the use of MHT in detail.

Goal: Our project will help fill knowledge gaps regarding the use of MHT and cancer risks. The results will provide new and more precise knowledge regarding cancer risks in different organs associated with the use of different MHT types. The findings will benefit women, clinicians, and policymakers by providing evidence-based guidance for safer MHT use.