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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Taxoxifen and age of patient
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.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Aug 14, 2001 12:00AM
Dear ning, Some breast tumors are found to be estrogen receptor positive, meaning that the presence of estrogen may have a role in stimulating their growth. Tamoxifen blocks the estrogen receptor in the breast and on the cancer cell so that the estrogen can not get to them to stimulate the growth of cancer. After menopause the ovaries stop producing large amounts of estrogen (enough to stimulate ovulation), however a small amount is still produced and available in the body. This is why tamoxifen is used even in women after menopause.
