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Breast cancer chemoprevention: Medicines that reduce breast cancer risk
Aromatase inhibitors
Aromatase inhibitors aren't FDA approved for breast cancer chemoprevention, but they are the subject of much ongoing research.
How they work
Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medicines that reduce the amount of estrogen in your body, depriving breast cancer cells of the fuel they need to grow and thrive. Three aromatase inhibitors are currently used in the treatment of women with breast cancer: anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin) and letrozole (Femara). These medications are used after breast cancer surgery to prevent breast cancer from returning (recurring).
Who they're for
Aromatase inhibitors have been studied and shown to be effective in postmenopausal women to treat breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer recurrence. Aromatase inhibitors are not intended for preventing breast cancer recurrence in women who still have menstrual cycles.
Common side effects
Common side effects of aromatase inhibitors include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Joint and muscle pain
- Headache
Risks
Aromatase inhibitors raise the risk of:
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Osteoporosis
Because aromatase inhibitors are a newer class of medications, not much is yet known about long-term health risks, such as heart disease. As more results from research studies become available, doctors will have a better idea of these long-term health implications, as well as of the drugs’ effectiveness in breast cancer chemoprevention.
A word about aspirin
Several studies have looked into the effects of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on breast cancer risk. NSAIDs include many common over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Study results are mixed. Some research has found that women who had breast cancer and who regularly take aspirin or other NSAIDs have a slightly decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence. But other studies haven't shown a significant association between breast cancer risk and NSAIDs.
It remains unknown whether aspirin and other NSAIDs help protect against breast cancer, and if so, exactly how they work to do so. Because some NSAIDs, such as celecoxib (Celebrex) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, talk with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits versus the risks of taking an NSAID in your situation.
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