In this review, a mechanism of estrogen-induced cancer has been examined which features
a dual role of estrogen as hormone and carcinogen. Evidence exists that estrogens are
metabolically activated to 4-hydroxylated metabolites by a specific cytochrome P450 in
tissues prone to estrogen-induced cancer. These metabolites and their
semiquinone/quinone oxidation products may cause various types of DNA damage.
Preliminary data also exist that estrogens induce various genetic mutations. Tumors may …