Dr. Pan's Blog
Introducing the Chemoprevention Program for Breast Cancer
January 2012
In January 2008, we established a multidisciplinary breast cancer tumor board and clinic in our Breast Center. The clinic, which helps newly diagnosed patients develop a comprehensive treatment plan, has been highly regarded by our patients and their families.
Several months ago, we started another program called “Chemoprevention for Breast Cancer”, which provides specialized care for women with an elevated risk of breast cancer (but do not have history of breast cancer).
You may have a higher risk for breast cancer if you have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, especially if your mother or sister has had breast cancer before age 50. If you’ve had a biopsy of a breast abnormality showing lobular carcinoma in situ, you may also be at higher risk. Oncologist Dr. Minggui Pan provides more information about the risk factors on his blog.
Several clinical trials have found that chemopreventive treatment with the drugs tamoxifen or raloxifene (Evista) may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer for women with increased risk. A recently published study showed another drug called exemestane (Aromasin) can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 65% for postmenopausal women with prior atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, or with ductal carcinoma in situ with mastectomy.
If you have an increased risk of breast cancer and are interested in taking tamoxifen, raloxifen, or exemestane for risk reduction, we recommend that you meet with our nurse practitioner Christine Lieu to discuss your risk and the pros and cons of chemoprevention. You may ask your primary care physician, surgeon, or other care provider for a referral.
