Benefits of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention do not always outweigh overall risks
- PMID: 12540322
Benefits of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention do not always outweigh overall risks
Abstract
In women at high risk of breast cancer, tamoxifen is effective in reducing the incidence of the disease. The intervention, however, is associated with significant risk. During the 5-year period of this study, although the number of breast cancers was reduced, the number of serious adverse effects and deaths were higher in the treated group. Women at a lower risk of breast cancer than those studied would be even less likely to benefit from tamoxifen while risking the same serious adverse outcomes. For the small proportion of women with a high risk of breast cancer and a low risk of adverse events, discussion of this intervention may be warranted.
Comment on
-
First results from the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS-I): a randomised prevention trial.Lancet. 2002 Sep 14;360(9336):817-24. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(02)09962-2. Lancet. 2002. PMID: 12243915 Clinical Trial.
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources