Research is showing a strong link between breast cancer and the production of the female hormone, estrogen. When we look for breast cancer treatments for ways in which to treat or prevent breast cancer. We know that there are certain drugs, which have proven quite affective in this area.

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a brand name drug containing Nolvadex. This medication can be taken in tablet form. This drug will impede the production of estrogen in the women using it. The drug is considered safe and was approved by the U.S Food and drug administration. Tamoxifen is used in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer as well as some other forms of cancer at this time.

Tamoxifen will be giving in early stage breast cancer as well as later stage breast cancer when the cancers have spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). It is used as a secondary treatment, known as an adjuvant therapy to help with the chances of full recovery. Tamoxifen is also used to prevent breast cancer from returning. The drug has been on the market for over 30 years.

Tamoxifen is used to slow down the growth of cancer cells already present in the body. This drug has been used in therapy to prevent the presence of cancer in women who are at risk for breast cancer for over 10 years.

Tamoxifen and estrogen

Some types of breast cancer are known as estrogen receptor-positive, or hormone sensitive cancers. These cancers have protein connectors, which facilitate the growth of cancer by allowing estrogen to bind to the cells. Cancer cells require estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen is designed to prevent the binding of the estrogen hormone to the cells. Tamoxifen is referred to as an antiestrogen or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).

It is important to note that Tamoxifen is only effective as a breast cancer drug for estrogen production and is not a good cancer treatment for other cancers. The irony of Tamoxifen is though it acts as a cancer-fighting drug to halt the spread of estrogen in the breast, it actually resembles estrogen within other body tissues. The news is not as bad as it sounds for menopausal women can have the benefits of hormone estrogen replacement therapy, which could put them at, decreased risk for osteoporosis while using this drug

Length of Therapy

It has not been determined how long this drug is affective for fighting breast cancer, but women in early stage breast cancer have been on the drug for about 5 years with good affects. Studies are going on to determine if the Tamoxifen will be effective after the 5-year mark.

Common side affects

The side affects from this drug include: blood clots, cataracts, corneal scarring and changes in the retina, strokes, and uterine cancer. Tamoxifen will also produce side affects similar to the symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness or itching, irritation around the vulva, vaginal discharge, irregular periods, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, and skin rash. Men who are taking Tamoxifen can experience, headaches, skin rash, nausea and vomiting and either impotence or a decrease libido. Tamoxifen is known to cause uterine and endometrial cancer but is not known to cause any other cancers at this time.

Pregnant women must avoid taking Tamoxifen as it may harm the fetus. Tamoxifen causes symptoms similar to menopause but it did not cause menopause. The ovaries continue to function normally when patients are taking Tamoxifen.

Bottom Line: Do the benefits of using Tamoxifen outweigh the consequences?

Since Tamoxifen is a proven breast cancer treatment the benefits do outweigh the consequences. Breast cancer patents should talk over all their concerns with their doctors who will explain in details the pros and cons of using this drug.

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