Chairmen's introduction

Abstract

A large body of evidence is now available which conclusively demonstrates that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not only relieves climacteric symptoms but that it also has long-term benefits, including preventing bone loss, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, offering protection from colorectal cancer and possibly preventing the development of Alzheimer's disease. These important benefits have a dramatic effect on morbidity and mortality and yet HRT is still relatively underused. One major reason for this is a concern among both women and physicians that the use of HRT may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, despite there being little evidence to support this conclusion. In order to clarify the current situation with respect to what information is available and what future studies might be required, an Expert Meeting was held where leading authorities on this subject presented their views and the issues raised were thoroughly debated.