Breast density changes are just one of many factors that should enter into the decision-making process. Understand that taking HRT may increase your breast density, which could interfere with the accuracy of your mammogram. However, HRT use has other benefits such as the prevention of bone loss. If you're considering HRT use, discuss its pros and cons and with your primary-care doctor. Don't stop taking HRT based on this study.
Mammograms are still the most effective way to detect breast cancer.
Women should continue to get have breast cancer screening as recommended by their doctor. Investigators from Group Health Cooperative's Center for Health Studies and the University of Washington's Division of Internal Medicine. Group Health and UW researchers conducted the study by examining pharmacy and mammography records of about 5,200 women who had two screening mammograms at Group Health over a two-year period. The study had several advantages over previous research on HRT and breast density. One, it included more women-all of whom were continuously enrolled in the same health care system over a period of two years.