The risk of recurrence of breast cancer in women who quit taking tamoxifen was found to be higher than those who continue the medicine. The Journal of Clinical Oncology reported in a study that women who faithfully take tamoxifen for five years, as suggested, have a lower risk of a second bout with breast cancer. This 10-year study, backed by Cancer Research UK, examined 3,500 participants.
Of those who quit tamoxifen after two years, 46% of them had recurrence of breast cancer. Those completing the five-year dose of the drug showed only a 40% recurrence.
Additional benefits of taking the full five-year dose of tamoxifen was a lower risk of heart disease fatality. This side-effect was most prominent in women between 50-59. The rate of developing heart disease was 35% lower and fatalities were 59% lower.
The study concluded that the full five years of tamoxifen lowered the chance of recurrence of breast cancer 15 years beyond the beginning of the medicine. “The full five years of tamoxifen should be recommended to women, based on this study.”
“The results of our study are conclusive. Tamoxifen taken over five years dramatically increases the survival rate of women who have had breast cancer,” Dr. Allan Hackshaw, the study’s senior author said.
“Although doctors already recommend and prescribe a five-year course of the medicine to women with early breast cancer, we are aware that not all of them complete the five years. Many drop the medicine after only two or three years, raising their chances of recurrence of breast cancer.”
Director of clinical research at Cancer Research UK, Kate Law said, “Medical professionals should provide support to manage negative effects from the medicine so women will stay the course.”
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