Paxil and Breast Cancer

[Maria1952]

Hi,

I was prescribed Paxil for depression from a long bout with anxiety.  I started the end of February and recently went from 12.5 CR  to 25 CR.  I am 55 post menopause.  In 2003 I had a biopsy that  came back negative for microcalcifications.  All mammograms since have been negative.  Of course being a worry wart I researched Paxil online and read some articles linking prolactin increasing from some SSRIS specifically Paxil to increase a Breast Cancer risk.   The Paxil is working for me after all of these years of feeling out of sorts.  Can you explain the breast cancer scare and if I should ask my Dr to switch to another SSRI?  

Thank you in advance for any advice.  

Maria

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Maria,

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in nonsmoking women. (sadly, in women who smoke, lung cancer is the most common cancer and is a big killer)

Breast cancer is associated with high estrogen stimulation, obesity, and family history. Mammograms are a wonderful and effective screening test for breast cancer. Depending on family history, mammogram screening should start at age 40.

Depression is serious, disabling, and occasionally, life threatening, illness.

There is no compelling data to suggest that SSRIs are related to breast cancer. . Here is a nice link for you to look at:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Does_Paxil_cause_breast_cancer.htm

take care

[Maria1952]

Thank you for you reply.