Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy
After surgery, endocrine treatment can lower recurrence risk for breast cancers with hormone receptors.
The key things to know
- Receptors and menopausal status guide selection.
- Discuss side effects before stopping treatment.
How it works
Some breast cancers use oestrogen or progesterone signals to grow. Endocrine treatment blocks those signals or reduces hormone production. Receptor testing identifies who may benefit; it is not useful for every cancer. This treatment differs from hormone replacement used for menopausal symptoms.
Choosing treatment
Options include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, with ovarian suppression when appropriate before menopause. Menopausal status, recurrence risk, other illnesses and medicines influence the choice. Treatment commonly continues for several years, with its duration and tolerability reviewed over time.
Managing side effects
Hot flushes, vaginal dryness or joint symptoms may occur, and risks differ between medicines. Bone-density monitoring or assessment of unusual vaginal bleeding may be needed. Tell your team about difficulties: symptom treatment or a supervised change may make continuing therapy easier.
Making a workable plan
Use a consistent routine and share a complete medicine and supplement list to check interactions. Discuss contraception and pregnancy plans before starting; endocrine medicines are not contraceptives. Obtain instructions for missed doses and arrange review if symptoms interfere with ordinary life.
Take these questions to your appointment
- What benefit and duration are expected for me?
- Will I need a bone-density assessment?
Sources & review
This is original educational content based on the sources below, not reproduced textbook material. Website supervisor: Dr. Nizar Ismail. Individual medical review of this article is pending.
This information cannot replace diagnosis or a personal treatment plan. Consult your care team about symptoms or decisions about your treatment.