Many women who are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer benefit from taking cancer prevention drugs such as Tamoxifen and Raloxifene. Despite a growing body of evidence pointing to potential side effects, doctors still feel the benefits outweigh the risks, and in some cases provide definite health advantages.
Tamoxifen and Raloxifene Studied for Health Risks
According to a September 15, 2009 New York Times article, “Risks: Breast Cancer Drugs Bear Health Cautions” by Roni Caryn Rabin, a recent paper based on 8 clinical studies into the side effects of Breast Cancer prevention drugs reported an increased risk of blood clots for women taking the medications Tamoxifen and Raloxifene.
The clinical studies on which the paper was based, looked at healthy women who had never had breast cancer but were considered to be at increased risk for developing the disease. Risk for the development of blood clots increased by 4 to 7 additional cases per 1,000 in women taking the cancer preventing drugs. A greater risk of endometrial cancer and cataracts was also discovered was .
Side effects for the drugs are not new. In an August 25, 2009 New York Times article, “Rare Side Effect Seen From Breast Cancer Drug” also by Rabin, researchers reported the occurrence of a new aggressive tumor in patients being treated with Tamoxifen, but were quick to point out that the news should not effect treatment with the drug. According to Dr. Christopher I. Li, an associate member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and author of the study, Tamoxifen has been proven a safe, effective treatment, but the news does give patients and physicians something to watch for.
Benefits of Tamoxifen Seen Too
In addition to the negative press, there was good news for women suffering from osteoporosis. According to Dr. Andrew Cooke, head of radiation oncology at CancerCare Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in an October 10, 2008 article entitled “Tamoxifen Cuts Fracture Risk: Study” by Kathleen Doheny on Medicinenet, Tamoxifen was found to reduce the risk of fractures with near immediate effects.
Fractures in women with osteoporosis are a constant concern due to loss of bone tissue and bone density caused by the condition. Dr. Cooke compared more than 11,000 women 50 and older who had suffered fractures of the spine, wrist or hip with more than 33,000 control patients who had not experienced fractures. Fracture risk decreased overall by 32% for women taking Tamoxifen.
The recent studies should not discourage women at risk from taking the drugs, but they should be aware of the risks and note any relevant symptoms.
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