Women and Colon Cancer

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be linked to preventing colorectal
cancer in women. Research has shown a 28% reduction in numbers. Hormone
therapy is used by women going through menopause; however since the research
is only preliminary doctors are urging women not to use HRT to protect
themselves from colon cancer. HRT may have adverse affects on some women, so
it is important women consult their physicians prior.

Forbes said, "Dr. David Limsui, lead author of the study and a fellow in the
department of gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, said that "the ideal
situation would be that we find the pathway by which estrogen may protect
against colorectal cancer risk and find a drug or a therapy that can provide
protection through that pathway without the adverse effects of estrogen. We
need to figure out how and why."

Such links between HRT and colon cancer were found in the first of these
studies in 2002. So researchers are optimistic this may lead to further and
maybe even more promising research.

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