Health News

Tamoxifen and Antidepressants: The New Findings
Breast cancer survivors are often prescribed antidepressants to ward off hot flashes and other side effects of the cancer drug tamoxifen. But some experts worry that this practice may make tamoxifen less effective.
Fertility Concerns for Breast Cancer Rx
Young breast cancer patients commonly have fertility concerns, and those concerns may affect their decisions about treatment.
When Cancer Rxs Team Up
Sometimes it takes two. Two breast cancer medications, that is.
Radiation Not Always Needed for Breast Cancer Patients
Radiation may not always be necessary to treat breast cancer — but some patients were still receiving it, along with two other treatments that worked just as well without radiation.
Tamoxifen Gel May Cause Fewer Blood Clots
Women with a certain type of breast cancer may be prescribed a medication called tamoxifen to slow the spread of the cancer. In some women, though, tamoxifen causes harmful side effects. A similar medication may lead to fewer such side effects.
New Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Recommendations
Because her mother had ovarian cancer, actress, director and humanitarian Angelina Jolie underwent genetic testing. Should you? The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued its latest recommendations.
Rx Cut Breast Cancer Incidence in Older Women in Half
For years, postmenopausal breast cancer survivors have been treated with medications that block estrogen production to reduce the risk of cancer returning. One medication may also prevent the disease from developing at all.
Cancer Preventive Rx Too Risky for Most
Women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer may be prescribed risk-reducing medications. Because some of these medicines have serious side effects, recommendations regarding who should take them have changed.
Breast Cancer Survivors Battling Brittle Bones
Breast cancer survivors can have ongoing health challenges after they’ve beaten "The Big C." Many are on medications that block estrogen, the hormone that drives most breast cancers. These medicines also increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and increase the risk of fractures.
Tamoxifen Benefits BRCA Carriers Too
Breast cancer survivors are often prescribed medication after their initial therapy. These medicines reduce the level of estrogen, the hormone that drives most breast cancers. It’s not known, though, if women with BRCA gene mutations benefit from these medications.