Tamoxifen and breast cancer prevention

The panel of experts was led by Professor Jack Cuzick of Queen Mary, Univeristy of London, and included Professor Anthony Howell, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit at the University of Manchester.  

Meg McArthur, Senior Policy Officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said:

“It is vital that we find effective ways to prevent breast cancer, especially in women with a high risk, and this study gives us more lines of enquiry to investigate.

However, these findings may not be directly applicable to a British population as the results are from a virtual, computer based trial, using American data.  At this time in the UK, tamoxifen is not approved for use in breast cancer prevention, but women are able to help reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular physical activity and limiting their alcohol intake.”