Menopause and breast cancer: a narrative review of hormonal, therapeutic, and prognostic factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20416155Keywords:
breast cancer; menopause; women; hormonesAbstract
Introduction: breast cancer is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells with metastatic potential. Menopause, marked by the cessation of menstruation and a decline in estrogen and progesterone, creates a distinctive hormonal environment.
Objective: to analyze the relationship between menopause and breast cancer in premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women.
Method: a narrative literature review was conducted through a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using descriptors and Boolean operators.
Results: articles published in English between 2019 and 2024 were selected, yielding nine relevant studies. The evidence reveals a multifactorial relationship. Menopausal status influences treatment efficacy; some postmenopausal women with positive receptors could avoid chemotherapy. Menopause is crucial in choosing endocrine and radiotherapy regimens. Drugs such as denosumab are observed to reduce bone metastases, especially in premenopausal women. Lifestyle factors show a modest impact on risk, and biomarkers with prognostic value have been identified.
Final considerations: menopause is not a direct cause but constitutes a high-risk stage due to age, hormonal changes, and cumulative exposures. Understanding this status is vital for personalizing treatment and managing oncological risk.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jessica Marcela Murillo Criollo, Jenniffer Estefania Rojas Yanza, Rosa Valeria Vargas Quezada, Joe Keller Sánchez-Salgado
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
