Chemoprevention of breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The risk factors for and risk assessment of breast cancer, recommendations for risk reduction, and roles of tamoxifen and raloxifene in the prevention of breast cancer are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Breast cancer either may be a familial syndrome or develop sporadically. In familial syndromes, cancer occurs in multiple family members and the risk factors are primarily genetic. The majority of breast cancers are sporadic, and risk factors are primarily related to estrogen exposure. Recommendation strategies for reducing breast cancer risk include engaging in a healthy lifestyle by decreasing alcohol consumption, following a low-fat diet enriched with fruits and vegetables, exercising, and reducing weight if obese. Breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations, and screening mammographies are strategies for the early detection of breast cancer. Recommendations for the use of tamoxifen for risk reduction are intended only for women who are at an increased risk for the development of breast cancer as assessed by the Gail model. One study found a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and hypertriglyceridemia in the tamoxifen group compared to placebo. Raloxifene is also intended for women at high risk for breast cancer. During clinical trials, hot flashes, influenza like syndromes, peripheral edema, and leg cramps were reported more frequently in patients receiving raloxifene when compared with patients receiving placebo, and the risk of thromboembolic disease was 3.1 times higher in the raloxifene group compared with the placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Tamoxifen and raloxifene are both indicated for and equally effective in the prevention of breast cancer in women at high risk for development of the disease. Raloxifene may have a more favorable adverse-effect profile, with fewer thromboembolic events and less uterine hyperplasia when compared with tamoxifen. Despite being at high risk, many women decide against breast cancer chemoprevention with either tamoxifen or raloxifene.
Thomsen
Annelise
A
School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
Kolesar
Jill M
JM
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D013629:Tamoxifen; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride