ABSTRACT
Breast cancer accounted for 27% of all female cancers in 1995. It is the most common female cancer and it is the cause of 18% of all female deaths. HRT is a collective term to encompass a variety of sex steroids, oestrogens and progesterones given in various forms. Treatment with HRT is a curious ethical problem and is always topical. The research base for these products is limited, although undoubtedly some women get very real relief from these products. Some of these may contain oestrogenic properties and women need to be aware of the implications of this if they have a history of oestrogen-sensitive tumours. Down's syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality at birth. The incidence is related to maternal age and the Down's syndrome screening programme is part of routine antenatal care. Women are now being offered HIV screening at booking to reduce the risk of transmission.
