A US study of 13,000 patients showed Tamoxifen reduced the rate of
expected cancers from one in 130 to one in 236 - a cut of about 45%.
The American researchers ended their trial early when they said the
drug's benefits became overwhelmingly obvious.
Other studies found that tamoxifen AND chemotherapy improved survival
improved survival rates by about 40–50% compared to taking one
treatment or the other.
Should women taking tamoxifen avoid pregnancy?
Yes. Tamoxifen may make premenopausal women more fertile, but doctors
advise women on tamoxifen to avoid pregnancy because animal studies
have suggested that the use of tamoxifen in pregnancy can cause fetal
harm. Women who have questions about fertility, birth control, or
pregnancy should discuss their concerns with their doctor.
Does tamoxifen cause a woman to begin menopause?
Tamoxifen does not cause a woman to begin menopause, although it can
cause some symptoms that are similar to those that may occur during
menopause. In most premenopausal women taking tamoxifen, the ovaries
continue to act normally and produce estrogen in the same or slightly
increased amounts.
Do the benefits of tamoxifen in treating breast cancer outweigh its risks?
The benefits of tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer are firmly
established and far outweigh the potential risks. Patients who are
concerned about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen or any other
medications are encouraged to discuss these concerns with their doctor.
Tamoxifen ( ta-MOX-i-fen) is a medicine that blocks the effects of the
estrogen hormone in the body. It is used to treat breast cancer in
women or men. It may also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as
determined by your doctor.
Tamoxifen also may be used to reduce the risk of developing breast
cancer in women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. Women
at high risk for developing breast cancer are at least 35 years of age
and have a combination of risk factors that make their chance of
developing breast cancer 1.67% or more over the next 5 years. Your
doctor will help to determine your risk of developing breast cancer.
