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Role of Exogenous Female Hormones in Altering the Risk of Benign and Malignant Neoplasms in Humans¹

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98104

The epidemiological and clinical evidence for various forms of exogenous estrogens altering the risk of neoplasms of the female genital system, breast, and liver are reviewed and evaluated. It is virtually certain that in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol can cause clear cell adenocarcinomas of the vagina and cervix. There is strong evidence that various estrogens given for treatment of menopausal symptoms can cause endometrial carcinoma and that sequential oral contraceptives probably also do so. Oral contraceptives very probably reduce the risk of both cystic disease and fibroadenoma of the breast and increase the risk of liver cell adenomas. Studies to date do not provide consistent and convincing evidence that any form of exogenous estrogen alters the risk of cancers of the breast or ovary or that oral contraceptives alter the risk of cervical neoplasia or focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, although recent reports suggest that continued vigilance is warranted. Specific topics requiring further epidemiological investigation are suggested.

¹ Presented at the John E. Fogarty International Center Conference on Hormones and Cancer, March 29 to 31, 1978, Bethesda, Md.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1124 Columbia Street, Seattle, Washington 98104.