Results presented at the 2006 annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, says that it appears Nolvadex (tamoxifen) reduces the risk of developing cancer years following completion of preventative therapy among women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Data from a clinical trial, including 7,145 women who were at high risk for developing breast cancer, was reevaluated at 10 years follow up. They found that breast cancer was reduced by 29 percent among women treated with tamoxifen compared to those taking the placebo. The preventative effect on breast cancer, specifically hormone-positive breast cancer, was actually improved at 10 years compared to the five-year follow-up.
The researchers concluded that women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer continue to benefit from tamoxifen, even five years following completion of treatment.
Talk to you doctor if fall in the high risk group for breast cancer. There are individual risks and benefits for tamoxifen and it may prevent physicians from recommending its use in certain women.
1. Kristina and all,
That's great news for breast cancer prevention!
A question for all: has anyone heard of a drug that has preventive effect at nearly the same percentage for prostate cancer in men? There is one, with the study publicizing its effectiveness published in 2003, and a safety question favorably resolved this year. But unlike the news reported here, the media has missed this good news story. I think they missed it because of a negative mindset. I've posted my take on this development at http://www.mycancerplace.com/forum/?action=view_topic&id=43&fid=18 .
Has the media done a decent job publicizing the story about prevention using tamoxifen?
Jim Waldenfels (web site: http://www.mycancerplace.com/profile.php?id=147 )
Posted at 9:51PM on Jan 5th 2007 by Jim Waldenfels