Dear Friend,
I had my mastectomy 3 years ago and will be on Tamoxifen for a total of
5 years. According to my doctor, and the other reports I have read,
trials suggest that for breast cancer survivors there is no increased
protection by taking this drug longer than 5 years. There are risks and
side effect with Tamoxifen (such as increased possibility for
endometrial cancer, blood clots, etc.), so there would be no advantage
to taking it longer without clear indications it provides real
protection.
I don't know of any trials testing Tamoxifen for preventing other
cancers, but perhaps some of the other folks in this forum could answer
this better than I can. I can tell you that it's a hormone manipulating
agent and potent Anti-Estrogen, which is what makes it so effective in
the treatment of Hormone sensitive tumors such as Breast cancer.
All this being said, it would be good for your sister to talk with her
doctor, since he knows her particular situation. All the best to you
both! I love to hear about folks who have beat this stuff!
Blessings, Joicy
Sassaneh wrote:
>
> My friend has had her breast removed fifteen years ago and she has been under
> treatment with Tamoxiphen for a few (5 or 6) years now. Is there any risk to
> continue taking it more than a certain period of time?
>
> Can taking Tamoxiphen be helpful for her to prevent other types of cancer?
>
> Thank you for your response.
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