A nurse is reviewing a postmenopausal client's history, which reveals that the client previously received hormonal therapy (HT) as treatment for osteoporosis. The nurse recognizes that HT increases the risk of which condition?

Hormonal therapy (HT) has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. This is primarily due to the estrogen component in HT, which can promote the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. The relationship between estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk has been established through various studies, indicating that women who receive long-term hormonal therapy may have a higher incidence of breast cancer compared to those who do not.

When evaluating other potential risks associated with HT, such as heart disease and stroke, research findings provide mixed results. While there is some evidence that hormonal therapy may have a protective effect on heart health when initiated close to the onset of menopause, the overall increased risk of breast cancer is more clearly defined. The relationship to ovarian cancer is less established in this context, and while heart disease is a consideration, it does not directly relate to the prominent association with breast cancer risk in patients receiving HT. Thus, recognizing that HT specifically heightens the risk for breast cancer is crucial for healthcare providers when discussing treatment options with postmenopausal clients.