Breast cancer has largely been considered a non-preventable disease. With a mortality rate of 13%, it can be considered as no less than a silent killer among women[1]. The majority of concerns related to breast cancer have been inclined towards the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Very less has been mentioned about the prevention-related aspect of breast cancer. This blog aims to spread awareness about the preventive measures available, especially among high risk women.
| Insufficient knowledge of risk reducing medications has been one of the biggest barriers towards utilization of breast cancer preventive medications. |
Endocrine therapy is one of the most viable options for breast cancer prevention. Also known as hormone-based therapy, it is based on the hormonal receptive conditions for breast cancer prevention. Breast cancer develops in the breast tissues due to the response of the latter towards the estrogen hormone.
Organizations like the US’s Food And Drug Administration [2] (FDA) and the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have authorized the use of breast cancer preventive drugs like tamoxifen and others among high risk women.
Tamoxifen and raloxifene belong to the category of Selective Estrogen Receptive Modulator (SERM) drug. These block the absorption of estrogens by the breast tissue, high estrogen exposure being the primary reason for breast cancer. While tamoxifen can be taken irrespective of the menopausal condition of woman, raloxifene is to be consumed only by post menopausal women. Various research studies have found these drugs to be effective among the high-risk women[3]. These have also helped in the reduction of mammographic density of breast[4],[5].
Another category of drugs are the aromwomenatase inhibitors which includes drugs like anastrozole and exemestane. These are used to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. Women who have history of breast lesions or family history related to cancer are recommended these inhibitors for breast cancer prevention.
A research study conducted by Thorat and Cuzick involving more than 83000 participants has found SERMs to reduce the breast cancer incidences by 38% and aromatase inhibitors to reduce the incidence by 58% respectively. The higher efficiency of these drugs provides promising results to decrease the prevalence of breast cancer.
Figure 2: List of few drugs available in Indian market for breast cancer prevention
Though these medications are available in the market, prior consultation with a registered medical practitioner is a must for consuming them. Consumption of these may result in potential side effects on the body.
We at Vaults Insights aim to reduce breast cancer mortality rate in India. Through research and quality insights we strive to work with organizations, hospitals and other healthcare providers. Real time research would help these providers reach out to the potential women with high risk in timely manner and provide services tailored according to individual needs. With due involvement of experienced research team, we use both qualitative and quantitative research methods and provide strategy and consultancy related services.
[1] https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/356-india-fact-sheet.pdf
[2] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/breast
[3] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10549-023-06991-3
[4] https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.20.02598
[5] https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13058-020-01340-4