TAMOXIFEN: ROLE IN BREAST CANCER & SIDE EFFECTS:SHORT REVIEW

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Tamoxifen

is a very common drug used in

breast cancer

.Tamoxifen has complex actions.This drug falls within the class of SERMs or selective estrogen receptor modulator.At some organs of the body tamoxifen acts as a potent estrogen antagonist that in these organs it opposes the action of estrogen.[example:breast].In other organs like the uterus it acts as an estrogen agonist, that is in other organs it increases the actions of estrogen,thereby causing proliferation of the endometrial layer of the utrus.This is called endometrial hyperplasia.

Thus long term use of tamoxifen may increase the risk of endometrial

cancer

.Endometrial sampling is a very important diagnostic procedure to rule out

endometrial hyperplasia

and

endometrial cancer

in individuals receiving tamoxifen therapy.

Tamoxifen's role in breast cancer:In most hospitals tamoxifen is considered as the first choice hormone therapy for breast cancer in both pre and post menopausal women.

Please do consult this topic with your doctor and other trusted internet sites.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer, endometrial cancer, endometrial sampling, side effects of tamoxifen, tamoxifen

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BREAST CANCER:RISK FACTORS

Hi friends ,sorry for a delayed posting.Today i'll briefly review the RISK FACTORS OF BREAST CANCER.Breast cancer is a very common cancer.Breast cancer is perhaps the most common cancer in women of the developed countries.
RISK FACTORS:1.AGE:age is probably the most significant risk factor.Breast cancer is not that common in younger age group,the incidence increases with age,to reach a plateau in the sixth decade.
2.REGIONAL VARIATION:breast cancer is more common in North America & Europe.It is much less common in Asia,South America specially in countries like Japan.
3.FAMILY HISTORY:is also a very important risk factor in case of breast cancer.It is found to be much more common in women with family history of breast cancer.Individuals with relatives with breast cancer occurring at a younger age & even with male relatives with breast cancer are at increased risk .
4.INDIVIDUALS WITH ASHKENAZI JEW DESCENT are also at increased risk.
5.OTHER CANCERS & DISEASES:women with history of previous breast cancer,ovarian cancer,endometrial cancer & disorders like ataxia telangiectasia are at risk.
6.HIGHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS:breast cancer is found to be much more common in women of higher socio-economic status.
7.FACTORS THAT INCREASE BODY'S EXPOSURE TO OESTROGEN like early onset of menstruation,late menopause,late childbirth,nulliparity increases the risk.
8.OBESITY:is also a risk factor due to increased conversion of androgens into oestrogen in the fatty tissues.
9.OUTSIDE FACTORS:A.post-menopausal hormone therapy,for a significantly long time.
B.exposure to DDT.
C.certain viruses like mouse mammary tumour virus.
D.excessive alcohol consumption etc.
10.CERTAIN PRE-CANCEROUS LESIONS OF THE BREAST ALSO INCREASES THE RISK.
For more information discuss these issues with your physician or you may visit the WEBMD BEAST CANCER SITE here
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ENDOMETRIAL CANCER :PREVENTION AND BRIEF REVIEW

Hi friends ,today i'll be giving a brief review about, mainly the preventive aspect of endometrial cancer,the most common cancer of the female genital tract in United States and other developed countries,
In short endometrial cancer is a cancer of the endometrium,the lining of the uterus,an organ located in pelvis where the fetus develops during pregnancy.It is of various types,but the most common type is oestrogen[a female hormone] dependent.
RISK FACTORS:1.ONLY OESTROGEN PILLS:If pills containing only oestrogen are given for relieving post-menopausal symptoms ,it increases the exposure to prolonged oestrogen, which is a risk factor for endometrial cancer.
2.EARLY MENARCHE & LATE MENOPAUSE :Early age of starting of menstrual cycle and late menopause increases the duration of exposure to oestrogen.
3.NULLIPAROUS WOMEN:are at risk.pregnancy is a protective factor for endometrial cancer.Pregnancy reduces body's exposure to estrogen.So women who have never been pregnant are at risk.
4.SERM:SERM[SELECTIVE OESTROGEN RECEPTOR MODULATOR]is a group of drug which includes drugs like tamoxifen,which is used in the treatment of breast cancer.It has oestrogen like activity in some organs like uterus and anti-oestrogen like effect in other organs like breast.Due to it's oestrogen like effects in the uterus,it is a risk factor for endometrial cancer.Raloxifene,which is also a SERM,used in osteoarthritis has not shown to increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
5.OBESITY:increases the total amount of oestrogen in the body, thus also the risk.
6.HNPCC[HEREDITARY NON POLYPOSIS COLON CANCER]:This hereditary condition also increases the risk of acquiring endometrial cancer.
PREVENTION:1.COMBINED ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE PILLS:These pills have a protective effect.
2.PREGNANCY AND BREAST FEEDING:These two conditions reduce the the amount of oestrogen in the body,thus is a protective factor for endometrial cancer.
3.HEALTHY LIFESTYLE,HEALTHY FOOD,EXERCISE:These factors tend to reduce the risk.
4.EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PRE-CANCEROUS LESION.
For more information on this ,you can consult your health care provider.
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