An important study will be published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association showing a significantly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer with prolonged, meaning more than 10 years, use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. New York University School of Medicine oncologist John P. Curtin, M.D., Acting Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, and a specialist in ovarian cancer, will be available to comment to the press regarding this study.
Dr. Curtin is a nationally recognized cancer surgeon and researcher and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the School of Medicine. He specializes in a subspecialty of oncology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs. His practice has been devoted to women with cancer of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries, and his research is especially concerned with improving the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.
"Women should not panic," says Dr. Curtin. "This new study raises definite concerns about ovarian cancer when estrogen therapy is used over a long period of time -- 10 or more years. However, there appears to be minimal risk associated with short-term use, possibly five years or less. Altogether, I would caution against using estrogen long-term in patients who still have their ovaries.
"Taking into consideration last week's study about the risks of combined estrogen and progestin therapy, and this week's study on estrogen alone, it seems clear that women need to discuss their individual risks and benefits of hormone therapy with their physicians.
"There are many unanswered questions, such as 'What are the risks of estrogen-only therapy in women who have had a hysterectomy and their ovaries removed ?' " says Dr. Curtin.
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