Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer: An Uncertain Trade-off.

The author comments on the study "WHI Investigators. Estrogen plus progestin and breast cancer incidence and mortality in postmenopausal women," by R. T. Chlebowksi et al, published within the issue. He explains that the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trial of placebo against hormone therapy was suspended following the discovery that hormone therapy increased a woman's risk of breast cancer and myocardial infarction. The findings of the current study are discussed. In conclusion, the author contends the need for further investigation.