Results of a study from the Netherlands show that the drug tamoxifen, often used to treat breast cancer and as a preventive in some high risk women as well, increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer. In addition, this risk increases with time, leading researchers to question the use of the drug in healthy women.
Women who take tamoxifen for 2 to 5 years have twice the risk of the cancer as women who have not taken it.
Women who have taken tamoxifen for 5 years or more have a seven times higher risk of endometrial cancer.
The total increased risk for all women who used tamoxifen at all was 50%.
Advanced endometrial cancers were more common in women who had taken tamoxifen long-term than in those who had not.
The 3-year survival for endometrial cancer was "significantly worse" for long-term tamoxifen users than non-users, the team reports.
The researchers state "we seriously question widespread use of tamoxifen as a preventative agent against breast cancer in healthy women."
In an accompanying editorial, Karen Gelmon of the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver, Canada, advises that "before bounding forward with prescriptions for tamoxifen, clinicians should remember its risks and benefits."
The Lancet September 9, 2000;356:868-869, 881-887.
I agree with Dr. Lee (author of 'What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause') that tamoxifen is not a wise choice for the treatment of breast cancer. It causes far more harm than good and endometrial cancer is just one example. Even the National Cancer Institute does not advise its use for more than five years. There are far more effective alternatives.
The treatment of cancer is a complex issue and is not something that I specialize in. I will likely be advising specific options in the future, but at this point you will want to consider using Dr. Ralph Moss's excellent resource material as he does an outstanding job of reviewing all of the alternative options.
Additionally, Dr. D'damo advises the use of small amounts of soy lectins in the treatment of breast cancer as he believes they aggressively bind to the malignant cells and help eliminate them. Although I am no great fan of soy a half a teaspoon of tofu twice a day seems a reasonable "drug" for breast cancer with virtually none of the complications of digestion impairment since the dose is so small.
It is particularly important to balance one's progesterone levels with the assistance of some type of monitoring system when treating breast cancer. Previous articles describe how a break down product of estrogen facilitated by exposure to pesticides is likely to be on of the major factors in the cause of breast cancer.
So let's be proactive out there and eat healthy clean organic food and keep exposure to estrogen's down.
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