The majority of breast cancers have estrogen receptors and respond to anti-estrogen therapy. There are several medications that are used as anti-hormone therapies to reduce the risk of recurrence or metastatic breast cancer.
Tamoxifen is the most well-known medication and is taken for 5 or 10 years. Most patients tolerate the drug well or may experience side effects that lessen or resolve with time. Aromatase Inhibitors, including Arimidex, Femara and Aromasin are also effective. These medications are taken for 10 years. The medication, Evista is considered a second or third-line medication in women who do not tolerate the other therapies.
