Susan Lark, MD Reacts to Recent HRT/Colorectal Cancer Study
Susan Lark, MD, noted medical researcher and women's health practitioner, reacts to the results of a new study published in the latest edition of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

POTOMAC, MD, January 30, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- According to the study, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may cut the risk of colorectal cancer. The greatest reduction in risk was seen in women who used a combination of estrogen plus progestin for five years or more. But women who used estrogen alone also saw a decreased risk. In fact, for users of estrogen only, the greatest benefit was observed in current users and those who had used for 10 or more years.

However, even with these positive results, Dr. Lark still believes that the risks of conventional HRT far outweigh the potential benefits. She says, "Even though the long-term use of conventional HRT has been found to lessen the risk of colorectal cancer, I still would never recommend its use! It has been well established that conventional HRT has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of invasive breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes, heart attacks, blood clots, and Alzheimer's disease. So, while HRT is helpful in reducing menopause symptoms—and now colorectal cancer—it is at the expense of your breast, heart, and brain health!"

For the relief of menopausal symptoms, Dr. Lark recommends using bioidentical hormones—which provide effective menopausal support with far fewer health risks and side effects. In addition, Dr. Lark believes that are much safer ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer—even for women who are at high risk due to family history:

1. Eat a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wild-caught fish, nuts, whole grains, free-range poultry, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil and almond butter.

2. Add 4 to 6 Tbsp. of high-fiber ground flaxseed to the diet, which promotes the elimination of stool.

3. Don't smoke. Smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely than nonsmokers to die of colorectal cancer.

4. Exercise. Inactive people have a higher risk of developing all types of cancer, including colorectal.

5. Avoid alcohol.

6. Take these supplements:

* 50-200 mcg of selenium a day. This antioxidant has been found to inhibit cancer in animal studies, and additional research indicates that it shows promise in colorectal cancer prevention in humans.

* At least 700 mg of calcium a day, along with 800 IU of vitamin D. Calcium helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps.

* 200 mg of resveratrol, standardized to at least 8 percent total resveratrol. One study found that resveratrol reduced the growth rate of colon cancer cells by 70 percent.

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