Think Pinker

One of the most difficult things about having breast cancer is knowing that it can spread. After undergoing a gruelling treatment regimen, most of us would think the worst part has passed. But that’s not true with breast cancer any more than it is with other types of cancers. The nightmare of every survivor is finding the next lump, getting the test results back confirming the enemy has returned.

Tamoxifen is a drug that is anti-estrogen in nature. It was approved by the FDA in the 1970s, but not for cancer at that time. Since many types of breast cancer are estrogen sensitive, meaning they grow in the presence of estrogen, researchers had an idea that Tamosifen may be helpful in preventing the spread or recurrence of the disease. So the clinical trials began and finally in 1998, the FDA approved the use of Tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer because it had reduced the risk of getting breast cancer by more than 50% in women at risk.

Tamoxifen is administered using an oral pill. It binds to the estrogen receptors in the breast taking the place of estrogen, thereby slowing down the growth and reproductive processes of cancer cells. It was the first drug for this purpose. Without estrogen, women are thrown into a menopausal cycle enduring hot flashes and mood swings. But that is a small price to pay for a life saver. You can visit imaginis.com to learn more about breast cancer and other women’s health issues.