Hormone therapy after uterine cervical cancer treatment: a Swedish population-based study.

Objective: This study aims to assess use of hormone therapy (HT) after cervical cancer treatment in women of premenopause age.

Methods: We identified 837 women aged 45 years or younger at diagnosis of cervical cancer in the Swedish Cancer Register from January 1, 2005 to September 30, 2009 with a minimal follow-up of 1.5 years. Information on cancer treatment (surgical operation, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy) was obtained through the National Patient Register. Use of HT was estimated through HT dispensing during follow-up as recorded in the Prescribed Drug Register. Percentage of recommended dose was assessed by frequency of HT dispensing at half-year intervals up to April 1, 2011 or a maximal age of 50 years.

Results: A total of 257 women (31%) received acute estrogen deprivation due to bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and/or radiotherapy. Among these women, 171 (67%) of 257 had at least one dispensing of HT during the period 0.5 to 1 year after diagnosis, and 118 (46%) of 257 were dispensed 75% or more of the recommended dose. Proportion users decreased to 39% at 4.5 to 5 years after diagnosis (21% with ≥ 75% of the recommended dose). Women younger than 40 years had a higher prevalence of HT use at 0.5 to 1 year (79%), decreasing to 45% after 4.5 to 5 years. The results did not vary by cancer histology.

Conclusions: Fewer than half of cervical cancer survivors with therapy-induced early menopause used HT at or close to the recommended dose, and the use decreased during follow-up. Increased awareness of the health benefits of HT for this patient group is needed among professionals and women.