Tamoxifen may Help Reduce Breast Cancer Risk Among High-Risk Patients

A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer can benefit by using the drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene (Evista). Researchers led by Dr Heidi Nelson from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland analyzed studies which compared the instances of breast cancer among women placebo and  tamoxifen.

The researchers found that around 23.5 women per 1,000 women developed breast cancer among those who took placebo over a period of five years compared to 16.5 percent 1,000 women who took tamoxifen during the same period.

“Tamoxifen is more effective at reducing breast cancer risk, but it has more side effects. Some women have side effects that are not life-threatening but they are uncomfortable and not minor, and cause them to stop medications, such as vaginal discharge, dryness, itching, leg cramps”, Nelson said.



Source-Medindia