The Advantages And Risks Of Cancer Hormone Therapy

The second leading cause of death for women is breast cancer. Cancer hormone therapy is a common form of therapy which is mainly used to help reduce the risk of cancer from recurring after surgery but it is also used to help breast cancer cells from forming,

The majority of women with breast cancer develop tumors that contain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone which can cause the growth of cancer cells in the breasts.

Cancer hormone therapy is used to prevent estrogen from being produced in the body and to help fight the growth of cancer. This type of therapy is recommended for women who have positive hormone receptors that are either estrogen or progesterone.

The Drug Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen also known as Nolvadex is a pill that is commonly used to treat breast cancer. It has been prescribed for twenty-five years. Tamoxifen lessens the chance of early-stage breast cancer from returning. This drug helps prevent cancer from forming in the breasts and slows down the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Tamoxifen is mainly given to women who are premenopausal and is often given in conjunction with chemotherapy and other treatments for breast cancer.

Women who are pregnant or women who are planning on becoming pregnant should not take Tamoxifen for cancer hormone therapy. Also women who take anticoagulants, have a history of getting blood clots or who have had a stroke should not take this drug. It is important to note that Tamoxifen can increase the chance of developing blood clots and uterine cancer.

The Drug Aromatase

Aromatase blockers are used to treat only women who are postmenopausal. According to recent scientific studies this medication seems to be more effective in treating breast cancer in women who have passed the menopause stage. These drugs are used to treat both early and advanced stage breast cancer.

They work by preventing the production of estrogen. Studies have shown that Aromatase has significantly increased their survival rate of those with breast cancer. It is an effective postmenopausal alternative hormone therapy drug to Tamoxifen.

Common Side Effects of Tamoxifen and Aromatase



The most common side effect of taking the cancer hormone therapy drug Tamoxifen is hot flashes. Other common side effects include vaginal discharge, skin rashes, fatigue, vaginal dryness and/or itching and headaches.

Aromatase is not known for causing many side effects but a serious side effect is its potential to cause osteoporosis which can lead to bone loss and bone fractures. Other less serious side effects include sweating, tiredness, hunger sensation, hot flashes and upset stomach.

If any side effects of either drug are experienced a health care professional should be contacted immediately.