Transcript Slide 1

Reducing Breast Cancer risk
with Medications
Medications such as Tamoxifen, Raloxifene
and Exemestane have been shown to lower
breast cancer risk in women who are 35 years
or older and are at moderate or high risk of
having breast cancer.
Should I take these medications?
Things to think about include:
• Your breast cancer risk
• How you feel about that risk
• How you feel about taking a tablet every
day for 5 years, especially if it has risks and
side effects
• Your personal medical history
Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer is common. A woman whose
mother (or whose grandmother and aunt) had
breast cancer is considered to be at average
risk, if the women were over 50 and there are
no high risk features such as ovarian cancer in
the family or Jewish heritage.
Your breast cancer risk depends on your own
history, your family history, your age and some
other factors including your heritage.
Your doctor can help you understand your risk
or you can use the online tool at
www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool
The reduction in risk is relative
That means that the benefit depends on your
risk. For example, let’s consider a relative
reduction in risk of 30%.
If your risk is average, (say 9% over your
lifetime), then your risk will be reduced by 3%.
The side effects may outweigh the benefit.
If your risk is moderate (say 15 to 30% over
your lifetime), then your risk would be
reduced by 5 to 10%. Some women would
trade some side effects for this level of
benefit.
What are the side effects?
The side effects vary depending on the drug.
All of these drugs can cause side effects that
are similar to menopausal symptoms.
• Tamoxifen and Raloxifene increase the risk of
a blood clot or stroke, especially if you have
high blood pressure or smoke
• Tamoxifen and Raloxifene increase the
chance of cancer of the uterus, although the
risk is low.
• Raloxifene and Exemestane can only be used
in women who have gone through menopause
Who shouldn’t take these medications?
• Women who are pregnant, breast feeding
or planning on becoming pregnant soon
• Women who have a history of blood clots
(eg in the legs or the lungs) or stroke.
• Women who may be immobile for a long
period (eg before major surgery).
What else can I do to reduce my risk of
cancer?
Population studies have shown that the risk of
cancer (including other cancers such as bowel
cancer) can be reduced by as much as 30% by
• Following a healthy diet, high in fruit and
vegetables
• Exercising moderately for 20 minutes a day
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
What to do next?
Discuss your family history with your Doctor.
They will be able to help you decide if these
medications are right for you.
Cancer Australia has produced a guide to help
GP’s called “Risk-reducing medication for
women at increased risk of breast cancer due to
family history”
Rooms at NHOG, Suite 403, SAN Clinic, Wahroonga and appointments via Telehealth to rural and remote areas
T: +61 2 9473 8833 E:[email protected]
______________________________________________
www.SydneyCancerGenetics.com.au
Hereditary Health and Hope