Research has shown that when tamoxifen is used as adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer, it reduces the risk of recurrence of the original cancer and also reduces the risk of developing new cancers in the other breast. Based on these findings, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded a large research study to determine the usefulness of tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer in women who have an increased risk of developing the disease.

Tamoxifen does decrease the risk of a second cancer developing in the other breast. This is usually a second breast cancer, rather than a recurrence (as physicians use the terms). Actually it was through this observation that physicians recognized it might decrease the risk of breast cancer for other women. There was a study in which women received Tamoxifen after treatment for breast cancer. Those women had substantially fewer new cancers develop in the opposite breast.

Early detection is the very best weapon against breast cancer. Although there is no known "prevention" you can increase your chances of beating breast cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle, performing routine self-breast exams, receiving a clinical breast exam, as recommended by your health care provider, and following guidelines for regular screening mammograms. Remember that early detection of breast cancer is almost 100% curable.

A great deal of research has been done on possible strategies for preventing breast cancer, including diet modification and taking extra vitamins. But most of the results, so far, have been either negative or ambiguous. The only two preventive measures that have, so far, held up under scientific scrutiny are (1) avoiding overweight prior to menopause, and (2) getting regular physical activity.

There are side effects to any medication. There was a lot of discussion as to whether you could justify giving women a medication (with potential side effects) to prevent something that might or might not happen. That is why it is only given to women at sufficiently high risk to justify use. The side effects include an increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus). This is not a problem for a woman who has had a hysterectomy.

Estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells. Tamoxifen works against the effects of estrogen on these cells. It is often called an “anti-estrogen.” As a treatment for breast cancer, the drug slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that are present in the body. As adjuvant therapy, tamoxifen helps prevent the original breast cancer from returning and also helps prevent the development of new cancers in the other breast.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a mass, called a malignant tumor. The cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Breast cancer is many women’s worst fear. But experts have made great progress in treating cancer. If it is found early, breast cancer can often be cured, and it is not always necessary to remove the breast.

Patients with advanced breast cancer may take tamoxifen for varying lengths of time, depending on their response to this treatment and other factors. When used as adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer, tamoxifen is generally prescribed for 5 years. However, the ideal length of treatment with tamoxifen is not known. Two studies have confirmed the benefit of taking adjuvant tamoxifen daily for 5 years. These studies compared 5 years of treatment with tamoxifen with 10 years of treatment.

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Known risk factors like having a family history of breast cancer, starting menopause after age 55 or never having children account for only a small number of new cases. That means that most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except for getting older.

The benefits of tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer are firmly established and far outweigh the potential risks. Patients who are concerned about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen or any other medications are encouraged to discuss these concerns with their doctor.

Yes. Mark for Life is only one piece of the puzzle. In addition to monthly breast self examinations, it is recommended that all women should have yearly exams by their doctor and women over 40 should get regular mammograms.

Women of all ages should examine their breasts regularly for changes in appearance/shape and how they feel. Any changes detected should be reported to a doctor. Early detection of breast cancer can offer the opportunity of a cure. Doctors recommend that women check their breasts about once a month for unusual changes.

No one really knows for sure. The only really practical thing that a woman can do to decrease your breast cancer risk is to avoid heavy alcohol use. Some studies show that regular exercise may help to lower her risk. Other risk factors include early menarche (the age when you have your first menstrual period), late age at first pregnancy, and never having children. In the future, there may be good medications available for decreasing risk, like Tamoxifen,.

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is a global philanthropic and cause marketing initiative of Avon Products, Inc. and the Avon Foundation. First created in the UK in 1992, the Crusade launched in the US in 1993 and Avon now supports breast cancer programs in 50 countries worldwide. The mission of the Avon Crusade is funding advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on medically underserved populations.

Breast Cancer is primarily a female disease, but approximately 1% of all cases of breast cancer occur in men. Breast cancer does not discriminate by race or age, however incidences do increase with age.

Yes. Breast cancer in men is rare, however it does occur. Men who have an altered BRCA2 gene have higher rates of breast cancer than men without an altered gene.

No one yet knows what causes breast cancer, but medical research has generated a lot of knowledge about the disease. Researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center have made some important discoveries in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, ranging from understanding more about the genetic aspects of cancer to developing a vaccine that may treat and prevent breast cancer. Read more about breakthroughs at The James.

Statistics show that a woman has a 1 in 8 lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the United States, other than non-melanoma skin cancers. Three-fourths of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women age 50 and older. And although breast cancer is more common in older women, it does occur in younger women and in men. There are additional factors that may increase a woman's cancer risk.

Being a woman and getting older are the biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer. Other risk factors include:

During a regular physical exam, your doctor can check your breasts to look for lumps or changes. Depending on your age and risk factors, the doctor may recommend that you have a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. A mammogram can often find a lump that is too small to be felt. Sometimes a woman finds a lump during a breast self-exam. If you or your doctor finds a lump or other change, the doctor will want to take a sample of the cells in your breast. This is called a biopsy.