Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Help me people. please...

I'm having a real hard time finding info on HRT and cancer, other than it can contribute to it.

A dear, close friend has been diagnosed with liver cancer and has been on HRT for a number of years. Sure, I could quiz her, but hey she's depressed and very tired all the time. So, I'd rather arm myself with all the data I can so as not to have to ask questions I can find the answer to elsewhere.

Anyone have any firsthand knowledge???

Thanks in advance.

You folks are great
DennisInGA

No firsthand knowledge, fortunately. But HRT inparticular estrogen therapy can cause liver damage. It has been linked to some types of Cancer. It does not seem to far a stretch that liver cancer could be attributed to HRT. You might try researching JAMA or The New England Journal of Medicine.

Cassie

Thanks Cassie, much appreciated.

Dennis-
This is a far cry from the necessary research needed to tackle such a difficult question, however this is what I have found regarding HRT and cancer (specifically liver cancer).

Estrogen is primarily processed (along with some other hormones, proteins, and enzymes) in the liver.  As we know, too much of somethings can be a very bad thing.  This is the case with estrogen and the liver.  Depending on the type of hormones taken for HRT (equine estrogen is can be rather damaging to the liver depending on the dosage) and the ratio of estrogen to progesterone (high level of estrogen with low levels of progesterone can be bad for liver) various effects can potentially be manifested (i.e. liver cancer).  Obviously some damage can occur whenever either of those two happen, however one typically does not develop severe problems unless the hormones are taken without proper medical care (this is why self dosing is a VERY VERY bad thing) or over an extended period of time with the above mentioned conditions being present.  There is also a rather low occurrence of liver cancer, typically cancer that is found in the liver is actually cancer that has spread (metastasized) from another location (usually from the colon, stomach, or lymph nodes, though possibly from other areas).

One interesting note is that liver cancer can be treated (depending on the type and stage) with hormonal therapy using antiestrogen (tamoxifen has been used in some study trials).

This situation can be better thought of in another, more widely known, way.  Liver cancer cause by HRT is similar to liver cancer caused by alcohol (aka heptocellular carcinoma, which is typically a secondary condition cause by hepatic cirrhosis).  While there is a large quantity of individuals that drink alcohol, some even on a daily basis, most of these people will not experience any noticeably harmful physical effects due to the alcohol (though, there may be some effects cause by 'beer goggles', however we will leave those out of the discussion...).  The problem with alcohol occurs when an individual drinks in rather large quantities for a many years.  That is when the liver damage rate is higher than the individual's repair rate.

There are many confounding variables that affect an individual's possibilities of developing cancer.  These include (but obviously are not limited to):  genetic susceptibility, age, medical history, family history, exposure to toxins, etc.

I am not quite sure if this is helpful (as I too have no first hand knowledge of HRTs direct effect on causing liver cancer), however here are some starter links to additional information.
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatocellular_carcinoma Wikipedia's article on hepatocellular carcinoma
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatotoxicity Wikipedia's article on hepatotoxicity (chemical driven liver damage)
* http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic787.htm eMedicine page on Fibrolamellar Carcinoma (subset of hepatocellular carcinoma
* http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/liver National Cancer Institute (NCI) webpage on liver cancer (full of helpful info and links)

I hope this helps.

--Kyle

Kyle,

Thanks so  much for your post and the links.

Really concerned for her. My only previous experiences with cancer of any type have been almost always fatal.

Yes, I know she used to drink and I'm sure that didn't help. My step-dad died at 52 from alcohol, wasn't pretty.

I knew you folks would come through for me with the right direction.  ;D

Thanks again
DennisInGA

Dennis--
Just as there are many different things that contribute to an individual getting cancer, there are also many things that contribute to them recovering from it as well.  Obviously sound medical advice and good care rank really high in that list, but other things contribute as well.  Loved ones that care about the person, a positive attitude, a good support network, determination, and knowledge can all affect how an individual copes with and fights cancer.

One of the best things that your friend has going for her is that there are many different types of treatments that have show to work well for this type of cancer.  There are many support groups for cancer patients (and their loved ones) and a plethora of information all over the web about stuff like this.    :)  Just remember (as with all things in life) if you see the positive in every hardship you will find happiness and prosperity where you least expect it (yes, I am a fortune cookie as well).  ;D  I hope, just as everyone here at Susan's does, that your friend has a speedy and full recover from her ailments. 

--KyleW

                 If it were me I would definetely not bring up the possibility of HRT contributing to her condition.  She is prolly aware of the fact that it may but does not need to feel guilty, like her actions caused it.     If she is unaware her doctors will know and take appropriate steps in her care.

                  If she brought it up to me, I would just say that there are many causes and the HRT probably had nothing to do with it.  There is no need for regret, things just happen sometimes.


beth

I understand what you're saying Beth and I haven't brought up that possibility at all... when I checked for the possible causes HRT was mentioned is why I asked for input.

Obviously alcohol, medications of various sorts and a host of other things may be the culprit..

I just wanted to be informed for all possibilities.

YIKES, rethinking ever taking acetaminophen ever again after the liver ailments it causes.

Thanks for your thoughts tho  ;D

DennisInGA

HI Dennis,

Sorry to her of your friends state of health. We just  lost Leah's baby brother of 52 years to liver canser. It had spread to his pancreas. Jay was a health concientious person. No smoker, watched cholesteral, no sugars,  read the lables on everything for additives and preservitives, and things like that. It is a very hard illness to watch someone you care about go through.

The trick to recovery is as with most health issues catching it early. If you and your friend are praying indididuals it can help ease the heart and mind to pray for the healing hands involved in her treatments.

My heart goes out to you and her at this very serious time.

Peggiann

I was off HRT for over 10 years because I did not know my genetic background and my GP and I felt that the statistical link between estrogen and heart disease and breast cancer (in GGs) was rather high.

That was a long time ago and I don't remember the statistics.

(Some time back I finally found my birth mother and half of my genetic background so I am back on HRT)

I will be seeing an Endo in March and we will be discussing the long term risks of HRT (seeing as how I will be 32 years post at that point). If I remember, I will post what happens.

Thanks for the concern. Other than being tired and run-down, not doing too awfully bad. Doctor visits 3 days a week. Taking meds daily probably for at least a year they've indicated. Chemo a distinct possibility.

Chin up and keep going is all one can do I guess

DennisInGA

Just wanted to say that I am sorry to hear about your friend.  Hopefully the docs and treatment will help her through this and be one of those that can say cancer survivor.

Dennis, as I have stated in another topic thread in this forum, I have dealt with cancer resulting from my having HRT therapy.  In my own case, the cancer was testicular; it was discovered to be malignant and was removed on September 5, 1996.

As to whether the incidence of cancers caused by HRT therapy are more prevalent than other causes of cancer, that must be determined on a more personal level; HRT may be only one of many factors, such as environmental pollution or smoking, for example, that may be contributing to the cancer.  Extensive testing would be necessary to discover the most likely reason or cause.

With swift discovery and proper treatment, it is very likely that she will recover.

I am adding my prayers and wishes for her recovery to everyone else's.

Tiffani

We have just included a new article on breast cancer in the Wiki.  While breast cancer is only one of many, it is one that all women are at risk from.  The article can be found  here (https://www.susans.org/wiki/Breast_cancer) and while it is still being edited at the time of this posting, it is fairly complete.

Steph

Men are at risk too Steph.  I know a guy who had it.

Melissa

Quote from: Melissa on July 04, 2006, 09:47:37 AM
Men are at risk too Steph.  I know a guy who had it.

Melissa

Very true, to a lesser degree and this is also covered in the article I mentioned.

Steph

Quote from: KyleW on November 29, 2005, 02:18:41 AM
Dennis--
Just as there are many different things that contribute to an individual getting cancer, there are also many things that contribute to them recovering from it as well.  Obviously sound medical advice and good care rank really high in that list, but other things contribute as well.  Loved ones that care about the person, a positive attitude, a good support network, determination, and knowledge can all affect how an individual copes with and fights cancer.

One of the best things that your friend has going for her is that there are many different types of treatments that have show to work well for this type of cancer.  There are many support groups for cancer patients (and their loved ones) and a plethora of information all over the web about stuff like this.    :)  Just remember (as with all things in life) if you see the positive in every hardship you will find happiness and prosperity where you least expect it (yes, I am a fortune cookie as well).  ;D  I hope, just as everyone here at Susan's does, that your friend has a speedy and full recover from her ailments. 

--KyleW

I can vouch for that! Sending my best and most sincere wishes for a positive outcome to you and your friend.
LL&R
Maebh