Research has shown that tamoxifen (Nolvadex) can protect against breast cancer but can have side effects including hot flashes, weight gain, abnormal menstrual periods and nausea.
To investigate those women who can most benefit from tamoxifen as a cancer preventive drug, US researchers analysed 4 randomised, placebo-controlled trials and assessed the effects that tamoxifen would have on breast cancer risk 10 years after the treatment.
Investigators used a mathematical model and found that in post-menopausal women under 55 who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, the benefits of using tamoxifen to prevent cancer are sufficiently outweigh its side effects, it also saves costs.
Source: Cost-effectiveness of chemoprevention of breast cancer using tamoxifen in a postmenopausal US population. Cancer, 2011; published online 14 March 2011
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