I have found a lump in my breast and am on the two week cancer referral pathway. I am 62, have been on HRT for 12 years, currently on patches. Should I stop taking using these immediately?
No, you should not stop using your HRT patches immediately. While it is understandable to want to take action right away, stopping HRT "cold turkey" can trigger sudden, severe menopausal symptoms and will not change the outcome of your upcoming clinic assessment.
Being on a two-week cancer referral pathway is a standard safety measure in the UK. It ensures that any new breast lump in a woman is investigated rapidly to rule out cancer as quickly as possible. The majority of people referred to a breast clinic under this pathway do not have cancer.
Leaving the patch on for the short period leading up to your appointment will not alter the nature of the lump. After 12 years on HRT, an abrupt stop can cause a drop in estrogen, leading to possible severe hot flushes, fatigue, and heightened anxiety. Managing these sudden symptoms on top of the natural anxiety of a referral pathway can be very challenging. If the lump turns out to be benign (non-cancerous), you may be able to continue HRT.
The team at the hospital breast clinic will be able to advise you moving forward.
