A study published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that approximately half of breast cancer patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors terminate their hormone therapies, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, before the recommended five-year course. These drugs can reduce the risk of relapse by 40 percent and death by 10 percent, but only if taken for the prescribed five years.
A study published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that approximately half of breast cancer patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors terminate their hormone therapies, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, before the recommended five-year course. These drugs can reduce the risk of relapse by 40 percent and death by 10 percent, but only if taken for the prescribed five years. Supposedly, patients stop the treatment because aromatase inhibitors can cause joint pain.
ACSH’s Dr. Elizabeth Whelan expresses concern for these patients. “They should not be ending life-saving treatments. They should be talking to their doctors about treating the side effects.”
