Menopausal Symptoms following Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects one in eleven women in Australia and is the most common cause of death in women of middle age.

Survival from breast cancer is improving and menopausal symptoms are now one of the most common and debilitating side effects of breast cancer treatments with long-lasting effects on quality of life, body image, sexuality, sexual function and self esteem. Menopausal symptoms can be so severe that a significant percentage of women stop their breast cancer treatments because of them.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, it has recently been demonstrated that HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. As survival for breast cancer continues to improve, the number of women suffering from menopausal symptoms is likely to increase. The importance of safe and effective treatments for severe menopausal symptoms after breast cancer has become paramount.

At King Edward Memorial Hospital in Western Australia we have established the world’s first menopause clinic dedicated to women with a history of cancer (MSAC: “Menopausal Symptoms After Cancer”). So far, we have seen over 150 women, the majority of whom have a history of breast cancer and the rest with a range of other common or rare cancers.

Studies with breast cancer patients have indicated that information needs about menopause are a major priority for their care.

We would now like to develop an information and support service to meet the needs of this significant and growing group of women. By providing high quality evidence-based advice and guidance this service is likely to benefit women and their families.