Today, we are taking another important step towards achieving that goal. This important trial builds on the success of the recent Breast Cancer Prevention Trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of breast cancer in high-risk women. Women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer need more and better prevention options, and only through clinical trials such as STAR will we find those options.
Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for all American women.
Until we can completely prevent this tragic disease, early detection remains our most powerful weapon in the war against breast cancer. Regularly scheduled mammograms can decrease a woman's chance of dying from breast cancer. For some women, early detection may prevent the need to remove the entire breast or receive chemotherapy.