Rooms at NHOG, Suite 403, SAN Clinic, Wahroonga and appointments via Telehealth to rural and remote areas T: ______________________________________________ Hereditary Health and Hope Reducing Breast Cancer risk with Medications Medications such as Tamoxifen, Raloxifene and Exemestane have been shown to lower breast cancer risk in women who are 35 years or older and are at moderate or high risk of having breast cancer. The reduction in risk is relative That means that the benefit depends on your risk. For example, let’s consider a relative reduction in risk of 30%. If your risk is average, (say 9% over your lifetime), then your risk will be reduced by 3%. The side effects may outweigh the benefit. If your risk is moderate (say 15 to 30% over your lifetime), then your risk would be reduced by 5 to 10%. Some women would trade some side effects for this level of benefit. Should I take these medications? Things to think about include: Your breast cancer risk How you feel about that risk How you feel about taking a tablet every day for 5 years, especially if it has risks and side effects Your personal medical history Breast Cancer Risk Breast cancer is common. A woman whose mother (or whose grandmother and aunt) had breast cancer is considered to be at average risk, if the women were over 50 and there are no high risk features such as ovarian cancer in the family or Jewish heritage. Your breast cancer risk depends on your own history, your family history, your age and some other factors including your heritage. Your doctor can help you understand your risk or you can use the online tool at Who shouldn’t take these medications? Women who are pregnant, breast feeding or planning on becoming pregnant soon Women who have a history of blood clots (eg in the legs or the lungs) or stroke. Women who may be immobile for a long period (eg before major surgery). What are the side effects? The side effects vary depending on the drug. All of these drugs can cause side effects that are similar to menopausal symptoms. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene increase the risk of a blood clot or stroke, especially if you have high blood pressure or smoke Tamoxifen and Raloxifene increase the chance of cancer of the uterus, although the risk is low. Raloxifene and Exemestane can only be used in women who have gone through menopause What to do next? Discuss your family history with your Doctor. They will be able to help you decide if these medications are right for you. Cancer Australia has produced a guide to help GP’s called “Risk-reducing medication for women at increased risk of breast cancer due to family history” What else can I do to reduce my risk of cancer? Population studies have shown that the risk of cancer (including other cancers such as bowel cancer) can be reduced by as much as 30% by Following a healthy diet, high in fruit and vegetables Exercising moderately for 20 minutes a day Maintaining a healthy body weight.