About Breast Cancer Tamoxifen

Breast Cancer Tamoxifen Facts

Questions and Answers

What happens if you stop taking Tamoxifen (Breast cancer drug) for a week? Hi all, I am asking this question on behalf of my mother, she had breast cancer, then she had an operation and then radiation so the cancer is all gone (Not sure if that's worded properly), anyhow, she must take tamoxifen to prevent the recurrence of the cancer. We live in San Francisco but we are currently in rural Sabah, Malaysia, you can only get a months worth of the drug (30 days) but we have been here for 25 days and will be here for another 9 days. She currently has 5 pills, and you are supposed to take one each day. Is she in danger if she takes them all for the next 5 days and has a 4 day break? Also, how should she take them? One every other day? Every day until runs out? Etc.. (Also, the original plan to deal with this was that my father would come and meet us and bring with him another month's worth, but he couldn't make it) So please help!!! Thanks a lot, Chris

justwondering replied: "Nothing bad will happen. Tamoxifen adds estrogen to the body (which is where the link to uterine cancer comes from - that is one of those rare side effects) as it blocks estrogen in the breast. So the standard of care is to take tamoxifen for 5 years to protect the breast from cancer. Some women opt not to take the drug at all. It also is not a drug like birth control pills where you have to adhere to a cycle or your hormones will get all out of whack."

Tarkarri replied: "Tamoxifen is prescribed if your cancer is hormone receptive. It stops your hormones from reacting with any remaining cancer cells to encourage them to grow! Over the 5 years it is normally prescribed, it lowers your risk of recurrance by about 10% over the 5 year period. Eg, if she has been given a risk of recurrance of say 30%, with out the Tamoxifen this would increase to 40% if she didn't take it at all for the 5 years! By missing a week, the change is about 0.04%, so enjoy the break and stop worrying!"

Does taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment induce cancer of the uterus ? What are the side effects of Tamoxifen ? What body organs are affected with cancer after having breast cancer before it reaches your uterus ?

creamfeather replied: "Its advised to take Tamoxifen for 5 years as a treatment for breast cancer. After that there is a small chance of cancer in the uterus occuring. No other body organs are affected by the Tamoxifen only the uterus. If the breast cancer is hormone related, then Tamoxofen works by reducing the amount of oestrogen in your body, as the cancer cells feed on the eostrogen. Why the Tamoxifen should affect the uterus after 5yrs Im not sure, except that it is hormone related."

Donna B replied: "Why it decreases the incidence of breast cancer reoccurrence it increases your chances of developing uterine cancer. You need to have pelvic ultrasounds done and if there is any thickening of your uterus you will need to have an endometrial biopsy done. If you have any vaginal bleeding you must inform your oncologist so they can arrange a biopsy.. I had breast cancer and have pasted the 5 year mark with the tamoxifen and am now on femera. Along the way I have had 3 biopsy's done, all were negative."

Breast Cancer (Tamoxifen tablets)? I'm sorry for asking so many similar questions but this is the last time, ok? My mum has Tamoxifen tablets in her room, I am aware these tablets are used to treat breast cancer. Could my mum possibly have cancer? And here is some other information: Three years ago my mum had a lump in her breast and got in removed and she may be on her menopause.

Ach B replied: "My mum had breast cancer when i was 15..im now 30. After radio therapy the docs put her on tamoxifen, and was on it for about 2 years roughly. My mum had gone through the menopause already, but when she stopped taking tamoxifen she went through something similar again. You could always ask her out right..as im sure she wouldnt want you to worry x"

DEREK B replied: "tamoxifen is given to cancer paitents to help stop it returning if you go onto this a charity with a free phone help line you can email or speak to a nurse they will answer all your concerns hope this helps"

L W78 replied: "hellie- I seriously suggest you speak to your mum, hun. The concerns that you have will only be alleviated this way. Obviously the Rx was not made out in her name? She really does need to ally the fears you have. I myself have (2nd time at bat) Breast Cancer so I can speak from experience & am a nurse ok. You are concerned, so please talk to her, she should have spoken to you long ago But.. maybe she felt you were not ready to hear what she had to say?? You seem to be now. Good luck - everything will be ok tho girl."

mcb930 replied: "I understand you're concerned and you want an answer, but as with your other two questions, the only person who can really give you the answer you want is your mom. Keep in mind as you ask you mother questions that is wasn't all that long ago when breast cancer wasn't talked about. There are still women who, because of cultural or social conventions, just can't discuss it. You mom, at 53, is on the youngest edge of a generation of women who were taught that breast cancer was a "shameful" thing. This is important information for you to have as a mother with breast cancer will increase your risk of getting it. I encourage you to ask your mother in as loving and respectful manner as you can, but by all means ask."

Ghost Man replied: "tamoxifen tablets are given to stop breast cancer from occurring back again. well as long as she takes these then hopefully the breast Cancer would not grow."

Dr Abs replied: "There is no cure for cancer, but there is treatment. Once people realize that than they can look at their options for treatment. It is hoped that if the patient responds to treatment the result will be to control the disease and eventually go into remission. There are reasons that certain drugs are offered to patients even though there are serious side effects. The reason is simple . . without treatment the cancer will spread and she will die. Looking at the perspective of choosing a chance at life or certain death . . than the offer of a drug with side effects takes on whole new meaning. If Tamoxifen works for her she may be able to go on and live. It is a risk and there are no guarantees. Remember there is no cure for cancer and there is no gurantee with any drug or any treatment that will be offered to her will even work. None. Her life stands on the edge of a knife . . and no one knows which way she will fall. Keep in mind too that there is also no cure for diabetes or other serious illnessess . . but there are treatments. Cancer is becoming a disease in which it can be treated long term. Cancer is becoming a chronic disease for many people. If she can find a drug that works for her, than they can gain control of the disease, shrink it, offer surgery, kill off metastatic tumors . . but that is a chance she will need to take. For many people the drugs will work. Your friend must decide what risks she willing to take to get rid of her cancer and to live. I would suggest that she do research into the disease. Read, study, and seek out others with the same disease, stage, and treatments. Ask people what to expect and if this was a good choice for this disease. Most drugs being offered have had extensive research and gone through Clinical Trials. People have used it successfully, but again, everyone is unique and the drug might not work for her. She needs to explore her options and than make a tough decision. NCCN: Patient Guide for Breast Cancer... The professional guide to the treatment of breast cancer - NCCN: Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology Breast Cancer... There are many, many Breast cancer support groups and websites where she can find excellent answers to her questions. This is only one: ACOR: Breast-Cancer Discussion List ... Breast Cancer Support Good luck."

BreRum replied: "Tamoxifen is given to people who have had breast cancer, as well as some people who have pre cancerous cells. Its up to the oncologist. You should talk to your mom about this, because breast cancer can be hereditary depending on the age that your mom was diagnosed."

gangadharan_nair replied: "Tamoxifen comes as a tablet to take by mouth. This medication is used to: * treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in men and women. * treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. * reduce the risk of developing a more serious type of breast cancer in women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; a type of breast cancer that does not spread outside of the milk duct where it forms) and who have been treated with surgery and radiation. * reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease due to their age, personal medical history, and family medical history. Tamoxifen is in a class of medications known as antiestrogens. It blocks the activity of estrogen (a female hormone) in the breast. This may stop the growth of some breast tumors that need estrogen to grow."

Does the intake of Tamoxifen for breast cancer affect our uterus ? I was suggested a hysterectomy after taking tamoxifen for a year.

Spreedog replied: "Here's the data from the NCI "Tamoxifen increases the risk of two types of cancer that can develop in the uterus: endometrial cancer, which arises in the lining of the uterus, and uterine sarcoma, which arises in the muscular wall of the uterus. Like all cancers, endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma are potentially life-threatening. Women who have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) and are taking tamoxifen are not at increased risk for these cancers. Endometrial Cancer Studies have found the risk of developing endometrial cancer to be about 2 cases per 1,000 women taking tamoxifen each year compared with 1 case per 1,000 women taking placebo. Most of the endometrial cancers that have occurred in women taking tamoxifen have been found in the early stages, and treatment has usually been effective. However, for some breast cancer patients who developed endometrial cancer while taking tamoxifen, the disease was life-threatening. Uterine Sarcoma Studies have found the risk of developing uterine sarcoma to be slightly higher in women taking tamoxifen compared with women taking placebo. However, it was less than 1 case per 1,000 women per year in both groups (1, 2). Research to date indicates that uterine sarcoma is more likely to be diagnosed at later stages than endometrial cancer, and may therefore be harder to control and more life-threatening than endometrial cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal (pelvic) pain are symptoms of cancers of the uterus. Women who are taking tamoxifen should talk with their doctor about having regular pelvic examinations and should be checked promptly if they have any abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain between scheduled exams." So, the bottom line is that you may have a risk of ~ one in a thousand that you may develop a uterine malignancy related to the tamoxifen therapy. We would have to do a hysterectomies on 1000 women on Tamoxifen to prevent one uterine cancer. If you are the one in 1000 who would have developed a malignancy, it is worth it. For the other 999 women, it is an unnecessary trauma and expense. I wish we knew which ones needed this done."

inverse_mushroom_cloud replied: "Suggested by whom and for what reason? If it was some yahoo on the internet, consider the source. If it was your doctor and it was because he saw some abnormalities on biopsy, I'd give it some serious weight."

Does anybody have breast cancer and are taking Tamoxifen 20 ? I was diagnosed with breast cancer and need the leaflet that comes in the Tamoxifen 20 box does anybody have a spare leaflet i can have. Please help i really badly need this leaflet and would appreciate your help

tanika971 replied: "i don;t but found this. "

Buddha replied: "I don't know why you need it but can you pop into your local chemist tomorrow. I am sure they will help you. I used to take Tamoxifen but now take Arimidex, so can't help you."

hanora replied: "If you go to there will probably be someone there who is taking the same medication and may be able to answer your question. Alternatively the suggestion to go the chemist/druggist and ask is a good one. If you are wondering if something you are experiencing is a common effect, call your doctor."

Sulochana R replied: "visit the following url"

Is combined Tamoxifen plus hormonal therapy better for breast cancer in pre or postmenopausal women and why? I'm getting a massive mental block and can't remember or figure out which is the answer: Is combined Tamoxifen plus hormonal therapy better for treating breast cancer in premopausal women or better for treating postmenopausal women? Why?

izzy replied: "You might have a mental block, but dozens of your questions have been answered by contributors with, to my knowledge, not the courtesy of a thankyou from you let alone a best answer. They are not used together. Types of hormone therapy There are several types of hormone drugs used for primary breast cancer including * Aromatase inhibitors * Tamoxifen * Pituitary downregulators Aromatase inhibitors Although women who have had their menopause do not produce oestrogen from their ovaries, a small amount is produced by the adrenal glands (small glands above the kidneys). Aromatase inhibitors block this oestrogen from being made. So these drugs are used for women who've had their menopause. You take them as tablets once a day. There is information below about * Aromatase inhibitors for early breastcancer * Aromatase inhibitors to prevent breast cancer Aromatase inhibitors for early breast cancer The aromatase inhibitors anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole can be used to treat women with early breast cancer, who have had their menopause. They are given after surgery and other treatment and aim to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. Tamoxifen The type of hormone treatment which can be used for premenopausal women is to stop the ovaries from working with particular drugs or to remove the ovaries, so that they do not produce oestrogen. This is called 'ovarian ablation'. If you have not yet had your menopause, and you have ER positive breast cancer, you will usually be offered tamoxifen hormone therapy, and possibly chemotherapy. The chemotherapy will often stop your ovaries working, but not always."

Possible breast cancer and Tamoxifen treatment? My friend was just told that she will develop breat cancer in the next 5-10 years and is being put on Tamoxifen, does anyone know anything about it or is anyone else on it? There are more details but I dont feel comfortable giving out her entire medical history. It is associated with the fact that she over produces estrogen. It has nothing to do with genes.

Doc8 replied: "I am flabbergasted a doctor could predict a patient developing breast cancer even if she has the gene. I am not familiar with the use of this cancer drug as a prophylactic against cancer. It essentially neutralizes estrogen."

precious_tingzz replied: "my aunty as had breast cancer and been thru the surgery and wat not but as far as im aware the drug tamoxifen is like a cancer back up it stops it from coming back after treatment but its not always done so but if shes unaware of what she is taking then she should see a doctor and he can tell her more i have a link for you if u need to no more! Tell your friend i said Good Luck with the breast cancer as its not something every woman dreams of having, Tc x"

Is tamoxifen a must for ER/PR negative menstruating lady for breast cancer treatment? i m 32 years old treated for breast cancer 1 year before and was advised tamoxifen. since i had endometrial hyperplasia, tamoxifen was stopped and started letrozol. now i m advised to stop that also and go back to tamoxifen, ER/PR negative. what can be done?

Jayaraman replied: "Tamoxifen (also known as Nolvadex) is a synthetic compound similar to estrogen. It mimics the action of estrogen on the bones and uterus, but blocks the effects of estrogen on breast tissue. Tamoxifen is used as adjuvant hormonal therapy immediately after surgery in early stages of breast cancer and in advanced metastatic breast cancer (stages III and above) in women. Tamoxifen belongs to a family of compounds called antiestrogens. Antiestrogens are used in cancer therapy to inhibit the effects of estrogen on target tissues. Estrogen is a steroid hormone secreted by the female ovary. Depending on the target tissue, estrogen can stimulate the growth of female reproductive organs and breast tissue, play a role in the female menstrual cycle, and protect against bone loss by binding to estrogen receptors on the outside of cells within the target tissue. Antiestrogens act selectively against the effects of estrogen on target cells in a variety of ways, thus they are called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Depending on various health factors and improvement of the patient antiestrogens are stopped and started again. I feel your Oncologist might have felt the necessity to stop and then again resume Tamoxifen in your case. It is in order to give negative menstruating breast cancer patients. Hence you may take it as advised by your doctor. Best of luck. - Addition - The reason for Tamoxifen may be because ER/PR+/HER2- cancers are often not extremely responsive to chemotherapy. However, they generally do respond to Tamoxifen.-"

zrepmd replied: "If your breast cancer is truly ER and PR negative, then you do not need tamoxifen or letrozole- they are not indicated. God bless, best wishes"

Is Tamoxifen only effective if the cancer has not spread outside of the breast? I read that Tamoxifen can be used in people in the advanced stages of breast cancer. Will it still be helpful at all if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes?

sapphiretigress replied: "Yes. Tamoxifen affects the entire body, not just the breasts. If the patient is receiving tamoxifen, that usually indicates that the cancer was "estrogen-receptor" and possibly "progesterone-receptor" positive. That means that it has a hormonal component and tamoxifen treats the hormone(s), wherever the cancer tissue might multiply, which would also be tumor present in the lymph nodes. Tamoxifen is the drug of choice for premenopausal women with varying stages of breast cancer."

can breast cancer be prevented when taking tamoxifen even your er pr is negative? i had mastectomy on the left breast. result of my er pr is negative negative. will tamoxifen work to prevent the other breast to develop cancer

Az R replied: "It won't prevent it. Tamoxifen works by restricting the supply of estrogen available to cells in the body. Almost all breast cancers need a supply of estrogen to grow, due to how the cell cycle is regulated in them. Taking tamoxifen without breast cancer could have some unpleasant side effects, just like taking it with cancer, and wouldn't really get you much benefit. However, if breast cancer did develop, its growth would be severely restricted unless it mutated to get around the tamoxifen, which it would probably do very quickly. It's kind of like an antibiotic. If you take it all the time, when you do have a problem it's likely to be resistant to the antibiotic. It's a good idea to maintain general good health, and get regular checkups/mammograms. A good deal of the success in treating cancer relies on catching it while it's still early and weak. What we can do for breast cancer these days is nothing short of amazing. A family member of a friend survived a form that had over a 99% fatality rate just a few years before hand. Best of luck to you."

drdisaia replied: "Hello, This is debatable but probably not. Tamoxifen acts on estrogen receptors in order to work. If your cancer is "er pr negative," it means it does not have these receptors. It is like trying to use a key on a lock that is not there. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD"

More Sites

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