This is not accurate and is the result of a misinterpretation of the Women’s Health study of the 2000s. It’s much more complicated. The specific type of molecule matters.
The studies all say that HRT increases the cancer risk, sometimes significantly. Yes, there are differences in type of HRT, but all of them create a signficantly elevated risk.
Spreading incorrect information about this is bad as HRT is likely to be a difficult choice for a woman. HRT can help alleviate serious menopausal symptoms like depression or mental illness at the cost of an elevated cancer risk. Downplaying the risks is likely to cause a lot of women to make choices that they regret seriously later on.
There are various forms of HRT and not all cause an increase in cancer. It’s a shame that notion has stuck around when it could be so helpful for so many women: bone density, hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, etc.
They do tend to cause an increase in blood clots though. The risk is manageable in relatively fit women. In overweight/sedentary women that gets a bit harder to balance out.
> They do tend to cause an increase in blood clots though.
That risk factor is specific to the oral route, and/or conjugated equine oestrogens. Injections, patches etc. of synthesised oestrogens don't seem to have that problem. https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.k4810
> Transdermal preparations were not associated with risk of venous thromboembolism, which was consistent for different regimens
