Also try to remain as calm as possible. Realize that these symptoms occur in many women who never develop breast cancer. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, have clinical breast exams twice a year. Frequent clinical breast exams can help you closely monitor breast health, besides giving you extra peace of mind. High-risk women may also want to discuss the pros and cons of using such drugs as tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer.
Tamoxifen interferes with the activity of estrogen in breast tissue.
Because estrogen promotes growth of breast cancer cells, the drug slows or stops cancer cells that are already present in the breast. There is much persuasive medical research showing that taking HRT for five years or more may raise a woman's breast cancer risk by as much as 40 percent. Take the time to discuss the pros and cons of HRT and ERT, along with potential breast cancer risks, with your physician. Researchers such as Dr. Pike are currently trying to develop oral contraceptives that will more substantially reduce breast cancer risk. Inc. All rights reserved.