Many women’s experiences of menopause-related breast cancer aftercare are poor, a study has found.

In the study, published in the journal Menopause in 2025, Newson Research analysed the free-text comments of a survey of 1,195 women with a history of breast cancer about their experiences of menopause care.

Analysis of the free text comments from the survey found:

• Just over a third of respondents (38%) reported their attempts to discuss and/or request vaginal or systemic hormone therapy were met with complete refusal, without any conversation about the risks and benefits in the context of their personal circumstances
• One in ten (12%) respondents talked about long waits and delays in receiving care and treatment for menopausal symptoms, while 9% described how lack of access to support and treatment for their menopausal symptoms had adversely affected their quality of life
• Free text comments included:  ‘GP prescribed HRT but I had to harass them for over four years…it was endless and complete disregard for my quality of life’ and: ‘My doctor said he was not prepared to lose his 40-year career over prescribing me HRT. That was the end of the discussion.’

The study concluded that larger studies are needed to explore the experience, unmet needs, and expectations of all breast cancer survivors, including women from more deprived or ethnic minority groups.

Read the full study here.