Menopause symptoms may decrease breast cancer risks

Common menopause symptom, hot flashes, may reduce the risks of developing breast cancer according to a new study. Researchers found both hot flashes and night sweats to be related in this study.

At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, researchers asked 1,437 women (988 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer) who have experienced menopause about the symptoms they experienced prior to, and during menopause.

Common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and insomnia.

Researchers discovered that women experiencing menopause symptoms noticed decreased chances of developing breast cancer. Additionally, as symptoms worsened, breast cancer risks decreased.

The complete study can be found in the Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention journal. The study received funding by the National Cancer Institute.

Researchers believe the link between menopause symptoms and breast cancer may be caused by hormones.

This is the first study to evaluate a potential link between menopause symptoms and the decrease of breast cancer.

Researchers explain additional studies must be performed to make a true conclusion about the findings here.