Tamoxifen Prevention for Breast Cancer: Understanding Risks and Benefits

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a decision aid to inform women about the risks and benefits of using tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention. The study targeted 632 women at high risk of developing breast cancer within the next five years, providing them with tailored information about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen based on their age, race, breast cancer history, and medical history. Despite receiving clear information, only 6 percent of women said they were likely to take tamoxifen, with side effects being the biggest concern.

Key Takeaways:

• The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a decision aid to inform women about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention.
• 632 women at high risk of developing breast cancer within the next five years participated in the study, with 41 percent correctly answering six questions about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen after viewing the decision aid.
• Side effects were the biggest concern for the participants, with 80 percent worried about hormonal symptoms, sexual problems, and rare incidences of endometrial cancer, blood clots, or cataracts.
• Despite understanding the risks and benefits, only 29 percent of women said they would seek out more information about tamoxifen, and only 29 percent said they would ask their doctor about it.
• Only 6 percent of women said they were likely to take tamoxifen, and three months later, fewer than 1 percent of participants had started taking tamoxifen.
• The study highlights the need for better communication about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen, as well as the importance of addressing concerns about side effects.
• The results of the study appear online in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
• The decision aid was tailored to each woman's health history, providing objective information about tamoxifen and demonstrating the importance of personalized decision-making.
• The research was led by Associate Professor Angela Fagerlin and Senior Author Peter Ubel, who emphasize the need for clear communication about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen.

Statistics:

• 632 women participated in the study.
• 41 percent of women correctly answered six questions about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen after viewing the decision aid.
• 63 percent of women correctly answered at least five of the six questions about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen.
• 80 percent of the participants were worried about side effects.
• Only 6 percent of women said they were likely to take tamoxifen.
• Three months later, fewer than 1 percent of participants had started taking tamoxifen.
• Only 29 percent of women said they would seek out more information about tamoxifen.
• Only 29 percent of women said they would ask their doctor about tamoxifen.

Sources:

• University of Michigan Health System
• Breast Cancer Research and Treatment (journal)
• Cancer Weekly editors
• NewsRx.com