Impact of Breast Cancer Treatments on Gonadal Function and Reproductive Health
Abstract
There is a growing body of epidemiological literature supporting the positive relationship between a woman's endogenous lifetime hormone exposure and the risk of breast cancer. Specifically, early menarche and late menopause are associated with increased risk of breast cancer, and this risk is reduced by surgical oophorectomy in the premenopause. Breast cancer adjuvant treatments often lead to premature menopause, and this may be an important factor in the efficacy of these treatments in younger women. However, women who experience premature menopause are at increased risk of earlier cardiovascular disease, as well as premature osteoporosis. Further, numerous epidemiological studies support the benefits of supplemental estrogen therapy in the postmenopause as an effective means of reducing mortality from both cardiovascular disease and osteoporotic fractures. There is uncertainty about how all of these factors play out in breast cancer survivors who have experienced premenopausal disease. Therefore, the primary focus of this cross-sectional study is to examine gonadal function and reproductive health comprehensively in long-term survivors of breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389290
Entities
People
- Patricia A. Ganz
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles