My Breakthrough
Progesterones (Provera, Megace)
Medroxyprogesterone acetate [Provera] and megestrol acetate [Megace] are synethetic forms of the female hormone, progesterone.
They are sometimes used to treat women with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer who have been treated successfully for some time with tamoxifen, but whose cancer has come back (secondary breast cancer).
They may also be used to treat women with ER positive tumours that have not responded to other hormone treatment.
No one knows exactly how progesterones work in breast cancer. But they seem to interfere with the way that oestrogen helps breast cancer cells to grow.
Other side effects, including muscle cramps, skin rashes, anxiety and mood swings, are rare.
To find out more about this treatment, visit the Cancerbackup website.
They may also be used to treat women with ER positive tumours that have not responded to other hormone treatment.
No one knows exactly how progesterones work in breast cancer. But they seem to interfere with the way that oestrogen helps breast cancer cells to grow.
How do you take them?
Progesterones are tablets that you take every day. Your cancer specialist will discuss with you how long to go on taking them, but it will probably be several months or years.Side effects
Many women who take progesterones feel hungrier and eat more, so they put on weight. However, a few feel sick, especially when they first start taking progesterones. Some get slightly swollen ankles, due to fluid retention, and others get a little vaginal bleeding (spotting), and their breasts may be tender.Other side effects, including muscle cramps, skin rashes, anxiety and mood swings, are rare.
To find out more about this treatment, visit the Cancerbackup website.
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