Hormonal Protection against Colon Cancer in Women Aged 50 and Over More Efficient than Screening Colonoscopy

Wenderlein University of Ulm, Germany

*Corresponding author: Prof. Dr. med. J. Matthias Wenderlein, University of Ulm, Eythstr 14, 89075, Ulm, Germany, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: June 03, 2024

Publication Date: November 01, 2024

Citation: Wenderlein JM. (2024). Hormonal Protection against Colon Cancer in Women Aged 50 and Over More Efficient than Screening Colonoscopy. Clin Res. 5(1):22.

Copyright: Wenderlein JM. © (2024).

ABSTRACT

Screening colonoscopy for early detection of colon cancer needs an alternative. These are available for women after menopause with hormone replacement for primary colon cancer prevention.

This also applies to the development of polyps, which are classified as precursors of colon cancer.

Substituted estrogens provide cancer protection through various mechanisms of action. This includes avoiding chronic inflammation in the intestines, which in the long term increases the risk of cancer. Hormonal substitution causes more lactobacilli in the intestine. These displace other risky bacteria, but also viruses and fungi. This protection applies especially to the lower intestinal sections with a high lactobacilli colonization. This is based on the anatomical proximity to the vaginal microbiome with many lactobacilli.

In the fertile phase, women have plenty of protective lactobacilli due to their endogenous estrogen supply from the ovaries. This no longer applies after menopause. This is reversible through estrogen replacement.

Anti-inflammation to protect against colon cancer corresponds to recommendations from US specialist societies. But Ass and COX 2 inhibitors, as anti-inflammatory drugs, have risks such as bleeding and kidney damage. On the other hand, estrogen substitution transdermally in low doses has no risks in healthy women.

Colon cancer protection through estrogen substitution after menopause also comes about through the preservation of beta-estrogen receptors. Otherwise these will disappear due to estrogen deficiency. These receptors have antiproliferative and thus tumor-protective properties. In addition, there is apoptosis promotion. The intestinal walls are equipped with beta estrogen receptors.

When there is a lack of estrogen, the alpha estrogen receptors dominate. These have proliferation-promoting properties. This, combined with other risk factors, can lead to colon cancer.

These biologically based aspects are confirmed in studies. A US study from 2013 came to the conclusion: Hormone replacement for 9-14 years halves the risk of colon cancer (RR 0.49). Other studies quickly confirmed this. This is accompanied by reduced overall mortality. The same applies to breast cancer according to a study in Finland. The risk of breast cancer is halved with hormone replacement.

Hormone substitution cannot and will not compensate for a risky lifestyle. This also applies to colon cancer risk factors.

Product information/short synopsis

Screening colonoscopy is hardly efficient and needs an alternative.

Keywords: Colon Cancer - Early Detection, Colon Cancer Prevention, Estrogen For Cancer Protection, Cancer After Menopause