Preventing Breast Cancer

Normal Breast with empty ducts (purple circles/ellipses), by Itayba at Wikimedia

Breast cancer (fibroadenoma) which has infiltrated the duct (large purple regular or irregular circles), by KGH at Wikimedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does “risk” mean when they say that some behavior is a “risk” for some health disorder? How do the latest breast cancer surveys stack up in our quest for answers?

This is an extended comment on “Drug Shows Promise In Reducing Breast Cancer Risk” posted on NPR for 6 June 2011. No experiment shows that the drug prevents breast cancer, only a survey suggests a link between exemestane and lower breast cancer rates. Much of what was said in this report suggest causes of breast cancer have never been studied in a controlled experiment. By not doing so, the doctors can only suggest that exercise, eating healthy meals, losing weight or taking this drug might be good for the patient.  We just do not know what exactly these factors have to do with the occurrence of breast cancer.

Summary

A study in post-menopausal women found that a hormone-blocking drug, exemestane, which helps prevent re-occurrence of breast cancer may help prevent it.  It cuts “risk of invasive breast cancer” by 65%. NPR reporter Michele Norris interviewed Dr. Otis Brawley.  Exemestane will not work in pre-menopausal women.  Tamoxifen and raloxifene do seem to work in pre-menopausal.  This study lasted only three years.  Most of these drugs only work to reduce risk while women are taking it, so none are a cure. Tamoxifen increases risk of uterine cancer, blood clots and pulmonary emboli, but all of these drugs have serious side effects.  So it is critical to understand the risks of taking any of these drugs. Most women may not want to take it for the prescribed five years, and most must also take drugs for osteoporosis.