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Is there a link between Tamoxifen and Uterine Cancer?
I met a breast cancer survivor who had been on Tamoxiphen for 5 years, and later, uterine cancer was found. Is there any information about the possibility of a link between Tamoxiphen and other cancers?
asked Feb 20, 2010 at 12:19PM in Oncology/Cancer
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2VotesIf you’ve had a hysterectomy, there are no increased chances of Uterine Cancer. If that is not the case, Tamoxifen does increase the risk of endometrial cancer as well as uterine sarcoma.You can see actual statistics and studies on the National Cancer Institute website - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/tamoxifen
Women who are taking Tamoxifen should talk with their doctor about having regular pelvic examinations if they still have their uterus. Anyone should be checked promptly if they have any abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain between scheduled exams.
There was an interesting article posted in Science Daily back in July of 2009 about the way Tamoxifen stimulates cell growth. You may find this interesting to read. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702170211.htm
Always discuss any issues you have with your doctor, and never stop taking a medication without speaking to your doctor first.
Sally Nix -
2VotesDuring the course of finishing my chemo and being told that I would be taking Tamoxifen I was very hesitant because I had heard there could be the possibility of endometrial cancer. Doing some further research the more I read the less I wanted to take the drug. I was told by my OB/GYN that I should have a hysterectomy to alleviate the problem. I needed to step back and evaluate what was in my best interest and why the Dr.s don't tell their patients these problems that crop up. We have to become more proactive and make decisions that in the long run will benefit us. I was not about to go under the knife after just losing my breast because it seemed the easy way out....Talk to your Dr about alternatives.
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Great!! I love the way you advocated for yourself.Beth L. Gainer commented Feb 26, 2010 at 10:50AM
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1VotesGREAT point Alli E Be! One of the most important things a patient can do is to hear about every option before making a decision. Each person should be able to choose a path they want to take and advocate for that path. What one person chooses to do may not be what another chooses. In a world that seems so out of control - being informed is a way to gain control.
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2Votes
answered Feb 23, 2010 at 04:40PMWhen one starts on Tamoxifen, there should be a discussion about yearly endometrial biopsies (a type of pap smear procedure) for those who have not had a hysterectomy.-
I didn't know that about Tamoxifen. I do think more doctors should have such discussions with patients.Beth L. Gainer commented Feb 26, 2010 at 10:44AM
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0VotesThen why are women not better informed? So many women I know battling breast cancer are prescribed TAMOXIFEN walk in blindly without knowing the ramifications and potential side effects. I realize Dr.s are very busy however these are OUR lives at stake. At ti,es I feel like we are blown off in a never ending line of women going through the same thing.
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I totally agree!! It seems we patients aren't told about side effects unless we cross-examine doctors. How are we to know all the ramifications of taking a drug? I also know so many women who are taking Tamoxifen and have never heard of this side effect.Beth L. Gainer commented Feb 26, 2010 at 10:45AM
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1Votesanswered Feb 23, 2010 at 06:43PMI appreciate everyone who took the time to respond to my question. I had drilled my oncologist about potential side-effects and ramifications of Tamoxifen. He never mentioned the increased possibility of other cancers, i.e. uterine cancer. I had tried to research online, and in several breast cancer books, and found no information about the increased risk of cancer. It's scary to take nothing, and risk hormones once again causing breast cancer, as mine was Estrogen positive. It's perhaps more frightening to risk uterine cancer... I will consider all of this information, and talk with my oncologist, and even consider finding a different oncologist.
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Deidre,
Thank you for your candor and for being such a wonderful advocate on your own behalf (I love that you "drilled" your oncologist for answers. I believe patients should not have to work so hard to research potential side effects of a drug. I was on Aromasin for a year and a half before my bones hurt so much I could no longer take it. My doctor did warn me that this drug leached bone, but it was an off-the-cuff type of warning.Beth L. Gainer commented Feb 26, 2010 at 10:48AM
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2Votes
answered Feb 24, 2010 at 03:43AMDoes tamoxifen cause cancers of the uterus?
Tamoxifen increases the risk of two types of cancer that can develop in the uterus: endometrial cancer, which arises in the lining of the uterus, and uterine sarcoma, which arises in the muscular wall of the uterus. Like all cancers, endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma are potentially life-threatening. Women who have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) and are taking tamoxifen are not at increased risk for these cancers.
Endometrial Cancer
Studies have found the risk of developing endometrial cancer to be about 2 cases per 1,000 women taking tamoxifen each year compared with 1 case per 1,000 women taking placebo (1, 2). Most of the endometrial cancers that have occurred in women taking tamoxifen have been found in the early stages, and treatment has usually been effective. However, for some breast cancer patients who developed endometrial cancer while taking tamoxifen, the disease was life-threatening.
Uterine Sarcoma
Studies have found the risk of developing uterine sarcoma to be slightly higher in women taking tamoxifen compared with women taking placebo. However, it was less than 1 case per 1,000 women per year in both groups (1, 2). Research to date indicates that uterine sarcoma is more likely to be diagnosed at later stages than endometrial cancer, and may therefore be harder to control and more
life-threatening than endometrial cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/tamoxifen
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The content on or accessible through Medpedia.com is for informational purposes only. Medpedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified health professional.
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