Following the American Cancer Society screening guidelines can help detect breast cancer early, when the chances for successful treatment and survival are the greatest. All women between 20 and 39 years of age should practice monthly breast self-exams and have physician performed clinical breast exams at least every three years. All women 40 years of age and older should have annual screening mammograms, practice monthly breast self-exams, and have yearly clinical breast exams. The clinical breast exam should be conducted close to and preferably before the scheduled mammogram Younger women with a family or personal history of breast cancer should talk to their physicians about beginning annual mammograms before age 40. By blocking estrogen in the breast, tamoxifen helps prevent the growth and reproduction of breast cancer cells.
Tamoxifen is available in pill form.
The typical daily dose of tamoxifen for women at high risk for breast cancer is 20 milligrams daily for up to 5 years. The most common side effect of tamoxifen is a higher occurrence of hot flashes. Other side effects include vaginal irritation or dryness and irregular menstrual cycles. Women who are considering tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer should discuss the benefits and risks of the drug with their physicians. Click here for general information on tamoxifen.