Hormonal Therapy
BC tissue removed during biopsy / surgery will be tested for hormone estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) via immunohistochemistry stain (IHC). These female hormones found naturally in women may stimulate cancer growth. Knowing the hormone receptor status is important in deciding treatment options.
About 75% to 80% of all breast cancers are HR positive.
- HR positive breast cancers tend to grow more slowly, more common in post-menopausal women and can be treated with hormone therapy.
- HR negative breast cancers tend to grow faster and more common in pre-menopausal women.
Hormone therapy medications are anti-oestrogens like Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and Aromatase inhibitors eg. Femara.
Side Effects of Hormone Treatment
Common side-effects
Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, weight gain and painful joints.
Rare but more serious side effects
Uterine growth, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots
Credit source : National Cancer Institute
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