In this issue of the journal, Menopause, we are featuring the article titled, “Persistent Vasomotor Symptoms and Breast Cancer in the Women’s Health Initiative” by Chlebowski et al.
In past issues of Menopause, the question of whether vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are related to cardiovascular disease was introduced. In the current study, 25,499 postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative without current or former hormone therapy use were followed. Breast cancers were verified by medical record review. Women with persistent VMS were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, they were not more likely to die from it. In summary, the presence of VMS may be associated with medical illnesses.
Isaac Schiff, CM, MD
Editor-in-Chief
