This book covers a topic of considerable current interest and presents many of the most significant research findings available to date. Workers at the forefront of research on hormone replacement therapy and the implications for the risk of breast cancer were invited to attend a special Conference at the Royal Society of Medicine in London in September, 1991, where the latest data were presented to a distinguished audience and the implications of this research were discussed. The volume reviews various aspects of HRT and breast cancer, the physiology of the menopause, the current use of HRT in practice, osteoporosis and epidemiology and presents results from a range of European, American and Australian studies on the role of breast cancer and HRT, finishing with an overview of benefits, use and cost-effectiveness and a general summary. The book represents a definitive statement of current knowledge in this field and an informative update on the implications of recent research. It will be a valuable addition of special significance to the libraries of all those concerned with hormone replacement therapy and the study of breast cancer.
A compelling, “fascinating” (Robert Cialdini) defense of hormone replacement therapy, exposing the faulty science behind its fall from prominence and giving women the evidence they need to make informed decisions about their health. Now fully revised and updated. "Estrogen Matters was my antidote to the misinformation surrounding menopause. This book should be the bible for every single person going through menopause.”―Naomi Watts For years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the medically approved way to alleviate menopausal symptoms (ranging from hot flushes to brain fog) and reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and osteoporosis. But when a large study by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) announced, with national fanfare, that women taking HRT had an increased risk of breast cancer, women were scared off, and the treatment was abandoned. Now, Dr. Bluming, a medical oncologist, and Dr. Tavris, a social psychologist, reveal the true story of the WHI’s efforts to distort their data to exaggerate unsupported claims of estrogen’s harms. Important updates in this edition include: Evidence that demolishes the WHI’s claim that HRT causes breast cancer. A list of the WHI’s retractions of their original scare stories. Updated findings on estrogen’s benefits on heart, brain, bones, and longevity. A critical review of the alternative products and medications being marketed to treat symptoms of menopause. A sobering and revelatory read, Estrogen Matters sets the record straight on estrogen’s benefits, providing a light to guide women through this inevitable phase of life.
In 1950 men and women in the United States had a combined life expectancy of 68.9 years, the 12th highest life expectancy at birth in the world. Today, life expectancy is up to 79.2 years, yet the country is now 28th on the list, behind the United Kingdom, Korea, Canada, and France, among others. The United States does have higher rates of infant mortality and violent deaths than in other developed countries, but these factors do not fully account for the country's relatively poor ranking in life expectancy. International Differences in Mortality at Older Ages: Dimensions and Sources examines patterns in international differences in life expectancy above age 50 and assesses the evidence and arguments that have been advanced to explain the poor position of the United States relative to other countries. The papers in this deeply researched volume identify gaps in measurement, data, theory, and research design and pinpoint areas for future high-priority research in this area. In addition to examining the differences in mortality around the world, the papers in International Differences in Mortality at Older Ages look at health factors and life-style choices commonly believed to contribute to the observed international differences in life expectancy. They also identify strategic opportunities for health-related interventions. This book offers a wide variety of disciplinary and scholarly perspectives to the study of mortality, and it offers in-depth analyses that can serve health professionals, policy makers, statisticians, and researchers.
Written by the leading authority on hormone receptors and prostate cancer, this book reveals the surprising truth about how you can prevent and treat breast cancer, prostate cancer, and Alzheimer's with testosterone and other FDA-approved drugs.For decades, doctors have sought to combat prostate cancer under the mistaken assumption that testosterone fueled its growth. But the latest research into the nature of hormone receptors and therapies using bioidentical instead of synthetic hormones have caused a shift in thinking and new hope for treating this cancer with testosterone. Today the medical profession equates a diagnosis of Alzheimer's with a death sentence. In fact, the only thing doctors do is throw ineffective drugs at it and resign themselves to failure. For the first time, this book explains how testosterone can halt the disease and cure early-stage Alzheimer's. Similar breakthroughs for fighting breast cancer follow close on the heels of these revelations, outlining how the avoidance of synthetic progestins and the use of aromatase inhibitors are crucial tools in prevention and treatment. At the core of this book is the remarkable observation that we experience our highest hormone levels during our teen years--a time of life when there is no breast cancer, prostate cancer, or Alzheimer's. Could bringing hormones back to teen levels be the key to vibrant good health? The answer is a resounding yes. This thoroughly researched guide to the latest biomedical research is must-reading for medical professionals and anyone concerned about their health.
Evaluates evidence for an increased risk of cancer in women using combined oral contraceptives, progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives, post-menopausal estrogen therapy, and post-menopausal estrogen-progestogen therapy. Although the carcinogenicity of these preparations has been extensively investigated, the book stresses the many complex methodological issues that must be considered when interpreting findings and weighing results. Evidence of an association between use of these preparations and positive effects on health, including a reduced risk of some cancers, is also critically assessed. The first and most extensive monograph evaluates evidence of an association between the use of combined oral contraceptives and cancer at nine sites. Concerning breast cancer, the evaluation concludes that, even if the association is causal, the excess risk for breast cancer associated with patterns of use that are typical today is very small. Studies of predominantly high-dose preparations found an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of hepatitis viruses. Citing these findings, the evaluation concludes that there is sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of combined oral contraceptives. The evaluation also found sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of some, but not all, combined preparations in animals. Combined oral contraceptives were classified as carcinogenic to humans. The evaluation also cites conclusive evidence that these agents have a protective effect against cancers of the ovary and endometrium. Progestogen-only contraceptives are evaluated in the second monograph, which considers the association with cancer at six sites. The evaluation found no evidence of an increased risk for breast cancer. Although the evaluation found sufficient evidence in animals for the carcinogenicity of medroxyprogesterone acetate, evidence for the carcinogenicity of progestogen-only contraceptives in humans was judged inadequate. Progestogen-only contraceptives were classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The third monograph, on post-menopausal estrogen therapy, considers evidence of an association with cancer at eight sites. Findings from a large number of epidemiological studies indicate a small increase in the risk of breast cancer in women who have used these preparations for five years or more. Studies consistently show an association between use of post-menopausal estrogen therapy and an increased risk for endometrial cancer. Data on the association with other cancers were either inconclusive or suggested no effect on risk. The evaluation concludes that post-menopausal estrogen therapy is carcinogenic to humans. The final monograph evaluates the association between the use of post-menopausal estrogen-progestogen therapy and cancer at four sites. The evaluation of limited data on breast cancer found an increased relative risk observed with long-term use. Data were judged insufficient to assess the effects of past use and of different progestogen compounds, doses, and treatment schedules. For endometrial cancer, the evaluation found an increase in risk relative to non-users when the progestogen was added to the cycle for 10 days or fewer. Post-menopausal estrogen-progestogen therapy was classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Concerning post-menopausal therapy in general, the book notes that evidence of carcinogenic risks must be placed in perspective of potential benefits. The prevention of osteoporotic fractures is cited as the best-established benefit. Evidence also suggests that estrogen prevents heart disease and may prevent memory loss and dementia.
In this sobering work, a respected medical writer and researcher warns women not to be too hasty in embracing estrogen replacement therapy, which so many doctors are now recommending with great enthusiasm. A careful, cautionary book that will stir controversy--and may save lives.
Avoiding overweight and obesity is the best-established diet-related risk factor for cancer. The proportion of people who are overweight/obese is increasing, and the amount of physical activity is decreasing in most populations, including urban populations in many developing countries. The increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity is presumably due to the increasing availability of highly palatable, high-energy foods, and an increasing sedentary lifestyle due to mechanisation of both workplace and leisure activities. Overweight/obesity and reduced physical activity increases the risk of cancers in various organs. Maintaining a healthy body weight and regular physical activity is the second most important way to prevent cancer, after tobacco control. The suggestions of possible public health actions to tackle these risk factors include the promotion of balanced diets, which are not excessive in energy, and broad education and planning to enable and encourage physical activity during work and leisure. Recommendations and a full discussion of these topics are included in the sixth volume in this series of Handbooks.
This book provides an evidence-based approach to the universal experience of menopause. Its structured format clearly separates the biological basis from the clinical impact and quality of life, while also examining menopause within the context of healthy ageing in females. Accordingly, the book addresses factors including lifestyle, frailty, sarcopenia, and new ICT technologies. Written by respected experts in the field, the book offers a valuable guide for gynecologists and professionals devoted to women’s healthcare and ageing quality of life, while also sharing revealing insights for non-professionals.
The first book to give women the tools they need to realistically assess their risk of getting breast cancer--and choose the best course of action Ask women what their number-one health fear is and most will not hesitate before answering "breast cancer." The recent proliferation of easily misunderstood and often contradictory statistics about breast cancer and its causes, however, is scaring many women who have only a small risk of contracting the disease. Assess Your True Risk of Breast Cancer is designed to help women evaluate what their risk really is and then determine what the next step should be based on that risk. Written by a leading expert in the field, the book discusses everything from studies on how age and family history relate to breast cancer risk, to those on hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer, enabling a woman to understand and focus on her own personal situation. Whether providing advice on how to get more extensive testing, counseling, and preventative measures when necessary, or offering the welcome assurance that the risk is small enough to warrant just annual checkups, mammograms, and regular self-examinations, Assess Your True Risk of Breast Cancer replaces rumors and scare tactics with solid, practical, and vital information.
