There was no difference in the number of heart attacks between the tamoxifen and placebo group, however, women in the tamoxifen group did have fewer fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine than those in the placebo group. Tamoxifen as a preventative treatment for breast cancer is currently an issue that is getting much attention. Although the BCPT showed a decrease in the incidence of breast cancer, tamoxifen did increase the women's chances of three uncommon but potentially life-threatening health problems. The chairman of the FDA panel, Dr., Janice Dutcher, cautioned all women considering taking this drug to consult with their physician in determining if the benefits outweigh the risks associated with tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is a drug, taken by mouth, that has been used successfully for about 25 years to treat women with breast cancer.
Tamoxifen works against breast cancer by interfering with the activity of the hormone estrogen.
Many breast cancers rely on the presence of estrogen to continue growing. Researchers have previously determined that women who take tamoxifen following a diagnosis of breast cancer, have a lower rate of breast cancer development in the opposite breast. This information led researchers to believe that tamoxifen may reduce the rate of breast cancer in women who were at an increased risk for developing the disease. The BCPT was designed to answer that question. Many factors can contribute to the degree of risk for developing breast cancer.