Breast Cancer 101

A Guide to Breast Cancer by Susan G. Komen

CHAPTER 12

Hormone Therapy

CHAPTER 12

Hormone Therapy

Chapter Overview

Hormone Therapy discusses the interaction of hormones and breast cancer cells and how hormone therapy treats breast cancer. Also included is information on the different types of hormone therapy, including tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors and ovarian suppression, as well as the potential benefits, risks and side effects of each type of hormone treatment.

The following topics are discussed in this section:

  • Overview of Hormones and Breast Cancer
    • Estrogen and progesterone
    • Hormone receptors
    • Hormone blocking drugs (hormone therapies)
    • Benefits of hormone therapy
  • Tamoxifen and Side Effects
    • How tamoxifen works
    • Tamoxifen regimens
    • Benefits of tamoxifen
    • Potential risks of tamoxifen
    • Common side effects in women and men
    • Rare side effects in women and men
  • Aromatase Inhibitors and Side Effects
    • How aromatase inhibitors work
    • When aromatase inhibitors are used
    • Commonly prescribed aromatase inhibitors
    • Benefits of aromatase inhibitors
    • Potential risks of aromatase inhibitors
    • Common side effects
    • Rare side effects
  • Ovarian Suppression and Side Effects
    • When ovarian suppression is used
    • How ovarian suppression works
    • Drug therapy for ovarian suppression
    • Surgical ovarian suppression
    • Side effects