The UK has approved the use of the drug anastrozole for the prevention of post-menopausal breast cancer: it can halve the risk of the disease. This was reported by Speech.
It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people worldwide develop breast cancer each year, most of them women. Preventing even a small fraction of these cancers could potentially save many lives. The United Kingdom became the first country to approve the use of anastrazole for the prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women at moderate to high risk. Anastrozole was previously approved for the treatment of breast cancer in the UK.
The action of the drug is based on reducing estrogen levels. The truth is that in approximately 80% of all breast cancer cases, estrogens are needed for tumor growth, especially in the early stages of development. Anastrozole blocks the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for estrogen production after menopause. Previous studies have shown the drug is effective in preventing the recurrence of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer in patients after chemotherapy or surgery.
But a sharp drop in estrogen levels can worsen menopausal symptoms and increase the risk of fractures. Therefore the current recommendation is to use anastrozole prophylactically for no more than five years, carefully weighing the balance of risks and benefits.
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