Some breast cancers are very much dependent on the female hormones for growth.

Even after an successful operation for breast cancer, cancer can come back in some people. It’s estimated that “about 1% come back on average each and every year for at least 20 years”

It is a well known fact the taking anti-female (anti-oestrogen) hormone therapy can prevent the cancer from coming back.

But these hormonal therapies do have side effects and there is an ongoing debate about how long patients should take these treatments.

A breast cancer specialists consensus meeting took place recently in Europe. There is emerging consensus that 7-8 years is sufficient on average for lot of low to medium risk patients. The high risk patients do need it for 10 years. ( slides courtesy of ASCO 2023 meeting presentation)

It is important that breast cancer patients talk to their oncologist about these data before they take any action !

References

ASCO Daily news. 2023. ER-Positive Breast Cancer: Assessing Late Relapse and Moving Treatment Forward.

Disclaimer: Please note – This blog is NOT medical advice. This blog is NOT a expert medical opinion on various topics. This blog is purely for information only and do check the sources where cited. Please DO consult your own doctor to discuss concerns and options relevant to you. The views expressed in this blog are NOT, in any way whatsoever, intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The blog is NOT previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed, in any way, by any organisation that the author is associated with. The views expressed in this blog likely represents some of the author’s personal views held at the time of drafting the blog and MAY CHANGE overtime, particularly when new evidence comes to light.