Raloxifene
Raloxifene is another SERM that is being studied for use in
breast cancer prevention. A
breast cancer research study of postmenopausal women with
osteoporosis has shown that raloxifene lowered the risk of breast cancer for women at both high risk and low risk of developing the disease. It is not known if women who do not have osteoporosis would benefit in the same way. Like
tamoxifen, raloxifene may increase the risk of blood clots in veins and in the lungs, but it does not appear to increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Prophylactic Mastectomy
The removal of both breasts may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with a family history of breast cancer. Before making the decision to have prophylactic mastectomy, it is important to undergo cancer risk assessment and counseling, and to carefully consider all the treatment options. In some women, prophylactic mastectomy may cause
anxiety,
depression, and concerns about body image.
Prophylactic Oophorectomy
Hormones produced by the ovaries appear to increase a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. The removal of one or both ovaries, through a procedure called an oophorectomy, reduces the risk.
A Summary of Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer prevention begins with learning about
breast cancer risk factors and protective factors. It then involves modifying any of those factors that you can control.
Although many breast cancer risk factors can be avoided, it is important to keep in mind that avoiding risk factors does not guarantee that you will not get cancer. Also, most people with a particular risk factor for cancer do not actually get the disease. Some people are more sensitive than others are to factors that can cause cancer. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer prevention methods that might be effective for you.
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