Mr. Martin O'Sullivan:

A study from two years ago indicated that the risk of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy, HRT, was somewhat higher than we had previously realised. It particularly applies to what is called "combined HRT" and whether one takes it for five years or more. Like everything in life, I guess that one must weigh up the risk of breast cancer versus the quality-of-life issues associated with HRT. Obviously, the menopause can be a very challenging period for many women and it comes down to weighing up the quality of life with regard to improving symptoms versus the breast cancer risk. HRT will also decrease the risk of ovarian cancer and maybe gallstones, and may even reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in the long term. Again, it is about weighing up the benefits and the risks.

As a broad rule around good general advice, if a person is at high risk for breast cancer then she should explore complementary therapies or other options besides HRT. If HRT is needed, then it is needed. Some women do benefit hugely from having HRT.