Prevalence of use of hormone replacement therapy in women participating in a breast cancer screening program

Background and objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in participants in a breast cancer screening program (BCSP) in Barcelona. Patients and Method: Prevalence of use of HRT was obtained through a survey. Information about type of HRT, gynecological history and socioeconomic and educational level was collected. Prevalence was calculated with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results: From May 2001 to June 2005 there were 21835 participants in the BCSP with a mean age of 57,6 years. Most of the participants were postmenopausal (86,7%). Confirmed prevalence of use of HRT was 5,2%(CI95% 5,3-6,0) with a greater use among women aged 55 to 59 years. The most frequent types of HRT were tibolone (39,5%) followed by combined estrogens plus progestin (30,4%). Higher education was associated with a higher use of HRT. Neither the use or the type of HRT influenced the results of the screening program. Conclusions: Prevalence of use of HRT was 5,2% in this study. The most frequently used agents were tibolone and combined estrogens plus progestin. © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.