In one of the largest breast cancer prevention
studies conducted, STAR, the study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene, researchers
have found Raloxifene as effective as Tamoxifen in reducing the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. The upside
for postmenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer is that Raloxifene has less severe side effects. Tamoxifen
works, but the known risks of taking it can be blood clots and uterine cancer. Blood clot and uterine cancer risk are
also a possibility when taking Raloxifene, but less so. Raloxifene is currently prescribed to treat and prevent
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Taking either drug is a difficult decision to make, and the risks need to be weighed against the risk of breast cancer -- but at least there is an additional option for treatment that appears to be a safer choice.
