Health
Estrogen Linked to Lung Cancer
Scientists are exploring possible links between lung cancer and estrogen. It could be an important consideration for ThirdAge women going through menopause and looking at hormone-replacement therapy treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, presenting findings at the American Association for Cancer Research in San Francisco, say they've found a greater number of so-called estrogen receptors on lung cancer cells than on normal lung cells.
The researchers say when they introduced estrogen into cultured lung cancer cells, it encouraged cell division, thus spreading the cancer.
Lead investigator Dr. Jill Siegfried says that suggests the hormone may play a role in tumor growth in women. She says women naturally have higher levels of estrogen than do men and blocking the hormone may help women reduce their chances of getting lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, but it is different in women than in men both in what types of tumors develop and how they develop. The study does not suggest menopausal women should avoid estrogen-based HRT and, of course, the bottom line is to talk to your doctor.
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For today's top stories and breaking news, click to the ThirdAge Top 100.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, presenting findings at the American Association for Cancer Research in San Francisco, say they've found a greater number of so-called estrogen receptors on lung cancer cells than on normal lung cells.
The researchers say when they introduced estrogen into cultured lung cancer cells, it encouraged cell division, thus spreading the cancer.
Lead investigator Dr. Jill Siegfried says that suggests the hormone may play a role in tumor growth in women. She says women naturally have higher levels of estrogen than do men and blocking the hormone may help women reduce their chances of getting lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, but it is different in women than in men both in what types of tumors develop and how they develop. The study does not suggest menopausal women should avoid estrogen-based HRT and, of course, the bottom line is to talk to your doctor.
- - - - -
For today's top stories and breaking news, click to the ThirdAge Top 100.
