Tamoxifen Found to Prevent Breast Cancer Deaths in At-Risk Women
Giving the drug Tamoxifen to women who are at risk for breast
cancer can reduce cancer deaths and save money, according to a
new study. The results, based on a mathematical model, show
Tamoxifen can prevent 29 breast cancer cases and nine breast
cancer deaths for every 1,000 women treated. About 34 to 35
women would need to be treated with Tamoxifen to prevent one
case of breast cancer, and 102 women would need to be treated to
prevent one death, the researchers say. Unlike many treatments,
which benefit patients but come with a high price tag, using
this drug would save money. For every 1,000 women treated,
Tamoxifen would save $47,580, the researchers say. The cost
savings arise because the drug prevents breast cancer cases from
occurring in the first place. The problem with Tamoxifen is that
it comes with some serious side effects. It increases the risk
of stroke, blood clots and endometrial cancer, and can induce
menopause, or cause hot flas