Me, a cancer surgeon with a high risk breast clinic: What brings you in today? Patient: My grandmother had breast cancer at 60 and I was told I can’t take hormone replacement therapy even though I can’t sleep at night from the hot flashes. Me: Who told you that? Patient: A friend who had breast cancer. She said HRT caused it. Me: HRT doesn’t cause breast cancer, it slightly raises the risk. Let’s talk about your risk and how much it would go up but the benefits usually outweigh the risk. Patient (at end of visit): Oh my goodness Dr. I am so glad I came to see you. Me: HRT can help protect the brain and bones and it raises the risk of breast cancer less than the scientific community originally thought. It is safe for many women even with a family history! For all the women who will see this: Please discuss your risk factors and calculate your risk with your OBGYN / a high risk breast clinic (which may include genetic testing) and make an empowered decision.