Breast Cancer And Hormones

(CBS)  New evidence suggests that certain hormone levels may be an indicator of a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. CBS This Morning Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay has details.

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A study in the annals of Internal Medicine published Tuesday found that older women who had high levels of the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone were almost three times more likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower levels. The study is further evidence that hormone levels influence the risk of breast cancer.

The researchers used a blood test to determine the women's hormone levels. They believe their findings could be helpful to doctors in the future in deciding who should be targeted with chemotherapy drugs like tamoxifen.

This does not mean that every women should run out and get tested. It's not yet available as a standard test. Researchers had to use highly sensitive and accurate techniques to measure the hormones. Some doctors think this should be viewed as a preliminary study that warrants further investigation.

At this stage of the study, there is no reason to believe women should try to lower their hormone levels.

Whether older women have higher hormone levels or not, they should still be getting regular mammograms and other recommended screening as the best way of prevention.

By Dr. Emily Senay
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