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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Tamoxifen and males
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Tamoxifen and males
by Arkle, Aug 13, 2002 12:00AM
I had male breast cancer 3 years ago, and after a mastectomy have been on Tamoxifen for 3 years with 2 more years to go before coming off it.
What I was wondering was, what effect has taking Tamoxifen on males?
It is said that tamoxifen decreases the efffects of estrogen in the breast area, but increases in other areas.
Also after 5 years, I will have to come off Tamoxifen. What happens? Does the chance of reoccurance increase?
Many thanks
What I was wondering was, what effect has taking Tamoxifen on males?
It is said that tamoxifen decreases the efffects of estrogen in the breast area, but increases in other areas.
Also after 5 years, I will have to come off Tamoxifen. What happens? Does the chance of reoccurance increase?
Many thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 13, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Arkle: I am assuming that your tumor was estrogen receptor positive - as this would be the indication for tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is thought to decrease estrogen in breast tissue but not necessarily in other organs, such as the uterus, in women. I am unaware of any research on any long term effects of tamoxifen in males. After 5 years, tamoxifen should be stopped. This is due to the NSABP study that determined there was no benefit, and maybe some risk, to taking tamoxifen for longer than 5 years. This applies to both men and women.
