Improved
6119 HealthChanged
3791 LivesSaved
3576 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
Over 50,000 women each year are diagnosed with breast cancer.
In the past, women with who are considered moderate to high risk for getting breast cancer opt to have an annual screening to check for tumors. Many have also opted to undergo mastectomy surgery as a preventative measure.
Today, women with a family history of cancer will be able to be prescribed a daily pill to help prevent breast cancer.
Tamoxifen, an anti-oestrogen and raloxifene, a similar but alternative drug to its counter part will soon be the two drugs offered to help fight the breast cancer battle.
Most women who have already been diagnosed previously with breast cancer are probably firmaliar and have taken tamoxifen. Studies show that tamoxifen and three other drugs can reduce cancer by up to 40 percent in women who have a higher risk.
In an article released by The Independent, it was reported that the drug's side effects can include an increase risk for blood clots and tamoxifen specifically includes a greater risk of cancers in the womb.
But tamoxifen has been shown to block the female hormone, oestrogen, which many breast cancers rely on to develop. In return, the tamoxifen causes the cancer to slow its growth or stop growing altogether.
The second drug, raloxifene works in a similar way to tamoxifen but will only be used in older women who have already gone through menopause.
To read the full article from The Independent, click here
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Wow. I didnt knew that this kind of pill exists today.
July 23, 2013 - 9:17amThis Comment
What a great article for many women facing breast cancer or with a family history of it.
Best,
Daisy
July 1, 2013 - 5:08pmThis Comment