Hormone Replacement Treatment increases the risk of breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots, according to the results of a new American study.

Forum Response: Cancer Research UK

Dr Lesley Walker, Director of Cancer Information, told epolitix.com: "This is clearly an important study and confirms the results of previous work on breast cancer undertaken by Cancer Research UK.

"Women need to be aware of the risk of breast cancer and the newly identified risk of cardiovascular disease found in this study when they weigh up the pros and cons of HRT with their doctors."

Forum Response: The Stroke Association

Eoin Redahan, director of public relations at The Stroke Association, told epolitix.com:"If anyone has concerns about treatment we recommend that they should talk to their GP.

"The results are specific to one type of HRT and the evidence, although showing a 41 per cent risk increase in stroke, is actually talking about eight new strokes in a group of 10,000 people. We do not want to cause undue concern."