Tamoxifen for Prevention: Understanding Its Use for Precancerous Conditions

Even if you don't have cancer, you may have an oncologist who strongly suggests that you take tamoxifen—a cancer drug. Doctors are increasingly prescribing tamoxifen to women who have precancerous conditions. While the drug has side effects that range from annoying to life-threatening, its cancer prevention prognosis is excellent.

Things You'll Need

• Black cohosh herb supplements
• Bedroom fan

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand what Tamoxifen is. It is an antiestrogen drug taken in pill form that limits the effects of estrogen and can prevent precancerous cells from becoming cancerous.

• 2

  Consider the side effects of tamoxifen. These can include blood clots, strokes, uterine cancer, cataracts and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. The occurrence of clots and strokes is rare and is most often seen in women who are also undergoing chemotherapy. If you've had a hysterectomy, uterine cancer is not a concern.

• 3

  Understand the effectiveness of tamoxifen. Studies funded by the National Cancer Institute show women taking tamoxifen for 5 years have a 69 percent reduction in the occurrence of estrogen receptor-positive tumors. Most doctors agree the benefits outweigh the risks for most women.

• 4

  Know the treatments for side effects. One of the most common side effects—hot flashes—can be controlled in some women by taking an herb called black cohosh. It is available at health foods stores and many drugstores.

• 5

  Control hot flashes with your choices. Position a fan to blow on you during the night, and consider that alcoholic drinks are a contributing factor to hot flashes.

• 6

  Ask your doctor about substitutes. Other antiestrogen drugs—with fewer side effects—are being tested and some are already available.