Chemoprevention

Women may take drugs in order to decrease their probability of developing breast cancer. SERMs, or selective estrogen receptor modulators, are currently the most effective breast cancer prevention drugs. The first, [|Tamoxifen], prevents the effects of estrogen in all parts of the body, as [|estrogen] can typically augment breast cancer tumors. In order to prevent cancer, this pill is taken orally once a day for a duration of about five years. Side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness and dishcharge, as well as bladder and urinary issues. Those who take tamoxifen show an increased risk in developing uterine cancer as well as cataracts and stroke. A similar drug (also a SERM), Raloxifene, works in much the same was as Tamoxifen, with relatively the same side effects. However, [|Raloxifene]can increase the risk of stroke if that patient has a heart condition.