Sex hormones and breast cancer

Scientists now confirm that raised levels of sex hormones in older women can double their chances of developing breast cancer. Having analysed nine previous studies from the UK, USA, Italy and Japan, scientists from 'The Endogenous Hormones and Breast Cancer Collaborative Group' conclude that postmenopausal women with high levels of oestrogen and testosterone are most likely to suffer from breast cancer - the most common cancer in women. The Endogenous Hormones and Breast Cancer Collaborative Group pooled information from the above studies and reviewed data on blood samples of more than 2,400 women. Blood hormone levels were studied with a subsequent five-year follow up for breast cancer. By combining the data from all the studies and comparing women with the highest and lowest levels of hormones the scientists were able to determine the overall risk of developing the disease. Their conclusions showed that high levels of testosterone and free oestradiol, an active form of oestrogen, more than doubled the risk of developing breast cancer. Also large amounts of a substance called 'sex hormone binding globulin', a molecule that reduces the activity of sex hormones, seemed to reduce the risk of the disease. Obese women have low levels of the molecule which could explain why they are more likely to suffer from breast cancer than their slimmer counterparts. Further research may lead to certain tests that could predict a woman's predisposition for breast cancer and to specific, improved drugs that could prevent the disease. This is another reason why it is advisable for women to try and maintain a healthy weight. This reduces blood oestrogen levels and therefore breast cancer risk besides other diseases such as diabetes, heart problems etc.

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