Hormone therapy for breast cancer
About this test
Hormone therapy for breast cancer is a treatment for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. Some forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer work by blocking hormones from attaching to receptors on cancer cells. Other forms work by decreasing the body's production of hormones.
Why it's done
Hormone therapy for breast cancer is only used to treat cancers that are hormone sensitive. Hormone-sensitive breast cancers are fueled by the natural hormones estrogen or progesterone. A breast cancer that's sensitive to estrogen is called estrogen receptor positive, also called ER positive. A breast cancer that's sensitive to progesterone is called progesterone receptor positive, also called PR positive. Many breast cancers are sensitive to both hormones. Tests in a lab can show whether the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. If at least 1% of the cells have receptors, you can be considered for hormone therapy. These tests help your health care team understand how to treat your breast cancer. Hormone therapy for breast cancer can help to: Prevent cancer from coming back. Reduce the size of a cancer prior to surgery. Slow or stop the growth of cancer that has spread. Decrease the risk of cancer developing in other breast tissue.
Risks and complications
Side effects of hormone therapy for breast cancer are different for each medicine. Side effects of the most common medicines include: Tamoxifen Hot flashes. Night sweats. Vaginal discharge. Irregular periods in premenopausal women. Fatigue. Aromatase inhibitors Joint and muscle pain. Hot flashes. Night sweats. Vaginal dryness or irritation. Fatigue. Impotence in men with breast cancer. Less common, more serious side effects of hormone therapy may include: Tamoxifen Blood clots in veins. Cataracts. Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer. Stroke. Aromatase inhibitors Heart disease. Thinning bones.
What to expect
There are several approaches to hormone therapy.
Understanding your results
You'll meet with your cancer doctor, called an oncologist, regularly for follow-up visits while you're taking hormone therapy for breast cancer. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing. Many side effects can be controlled. Hormone therapy following surgery, radiation or chemotherapy has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in people with early-stage hormone-sensitive breast cancers. It also can effectively reduce the risk of metastatic breast cancer growth and progression in people with hormone-sensitive cancers. Depending on your circumstances, you may undergo tests to monitor your medical situation. These tests help watch for cancer recurrence or progression during hormone therapy. Results of these tests can give your oncologist an idea of how you're responding to the treatment. Your treatment plan may be adjusted accordingly.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.