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Tamoxifen and Cancer




Tamoxifen is a
hormonal therapy
that blocks the
effects of oestrogen
in breast tissue.
Developed more
than 30 years ago,
it is widely used
to treat breast
cancer, both after
the initial surgery
and if the cancer
has come back
following treatment
and at times as sole
initiating therapy.
Tamoxifen may
also be used to
help prevent breast
cancer in some
women who are
at very high risk
of developing
the disease.

Blood clots
There is an increased risk of blood
clots (thrombosis), therefore women
who have had blood clots in the past
may not be able to use Tamoxifen and
should report this to their doctor.
Visual problems
Although uncommon, blurred or
reduced vision or any other visual
changes should be reported to
a doctor.
Long-term side-effects
Tamoxifen taken long term may
slightly increase the risk of developing
cancer of the uterus, as it stimulates
the proliferation of the cells lining
the uterus. Generally the benefits
of Tamoxifen in treating the breast
cancer outweigh the risks related
to uterine cancer.
Women using Tamoxifen should
talk with their doctor about what
precautions they should take.
Any abnormal vaginal bleeding or
pelvic pain should be reported to
a doctor and checked promptly.
How Tamoxifen works
Tamoxifen binds onto the oestrogen
receptors of breast cells, which 
prevents the oestrogen molecules from
doing so. Oestrogen is therefore unable
to stimulate the proliferation of breast
cells, including cancer cells.
Who can benefit from
Tamoxifen?
Although tumours that are found to have
oestrogen receptors are usually the
more responsive to Tamoxifen, it may
provide some effect, though probably
much less effect, in some instances
where the test does not show any
oestrogen receptors.
The presence of progesterone
receptors, in the absence of
oestrogen receptors, may also be
an indicator that the cancer will
respond to Tamoxifen. Therefore each
woman’s case will be considered
individually, as anticipated benefits
of treatment for her must be weighed
against possible side-effects.
Tamoxifen is commonly used in
addition to other treatments such
as surgery, radiation therapy and
chemotherapy, to reduce the chance
of the cancer returning in the same
breast and the development of new
cancers in the opposite breast.
It may also be used to control breast
cancer that has returned after initial
treatment. In these circumstances,
it can often control cancer for long
periods of time. Women who have
been identified to be at very high risk
of developing breast cancer may
benefit from using Tamoxifen as a
preventative measure.
Tamoxifen
Possible side-effects
Individual women respond differently
to Tamoxifen. Concerns about sideeffects
can be discussed with doctors.
Tamoxifen does not cause a woman
to begin menopause, but because it
counteracts the effects of oestrogen
in the body, women may experience
symptoms similar to menopause.
These symptoms may be more
pronounced in pre-menopausal
women. Before commencing any
additional or complementary
therapies to manage side-effects,
it is recommended women discuss
this with their oncologist.
Hot flushes and sweats
The flushes may gradually lessen over
the first few months but some women
continue to have them for as long as
they take Tamoxifen. If the hot flushes
remain troublesome, discuss possible
options with your doctor.
Change in
menstrual periods
Women who have not yet reached
menopause may notice a change in
their monthly periods. Periods may
become irregular, lighter or sometimes
stop altogether.
Vaginal discharge
There may be an increase in vaginal
discharge and perhaps some irritation
of the skin on the vulva.
Nausea and indigestion
Feeling sick in the stomach (nausea)
and indigestion may occur, but can
often be relieved by taking tablets
with food or milk at night before bed.
Although nausea is quite common
initially, it usually wears off after a
few weeks.
Weight gain
Other hormone
treatments
Many women report weight gain,
however this may not always be due
to the medication. It can be due to
a lack of hormones after menopause
if hormone replacement therapy has
been ceased or if chemotherapy has
been administered. It may also be
due to reduced physical activity after
treatment. Some fluid retention may
also occur.

Tamoxifen is not the only hormone
therapy that is effective in the
treatment of breast cancer. There are
a number of other hormone therapies
in use. You may wish to ask your
doctor about their potential role
in the management of your breast
cancer.
#iamstillawoman #tamoxifen #cancer #breastcancer 

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