All the research and studies combined found that Tamoxifen is a safe and effective treatment for breast cancer. In a case of long-term treatment, possible side effects have to be monitored and the most serious side effects involve the genital tract. the gynecologist has an important role to play. They should be aware of urine and ovarian pathological conditions. They should also consider the impact of hormonal treatment on other systems and functions.
I think that there is a lot more research to be done. Women unsure of continuing on with the treatment need to be more aware of the effects, and risks that go along with Tamoxifen. Another thing that has to be cleared up is the effectiveness of the drug. How will the patient know if the drug is for them or not? Tamoxifen works with some patients but not with others. Patients should also be given the option to use combinations of methods to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. There should be more studies set up to find out about these various drug combinations and their effectiveness on cancer. They should also make it clear which drug combinations have failed when used together.
A big problem in this country is that many people don’t understand just how many cases of breast cancer there is each year. They neglect to give themselves self- examinations, which has been proven to be, when done correctly, the very first step in detecting breast lumps. If these examinations are done regularly a women can detect changes in breast tissue and detect any lumps that appear. She should also have regular mammograms after the age of 40 years old. Most doctors suggest a base-line mammogram at the age of 35. Mammography is 95% accurate and if can detect lumps that may go undetected by the self-examination. If cancer is detected early it is more likely to be treatable. Women should be more aware of the warning signs of cancer. They should use the word "CAUTION" to help them. A simple wound that won’t heal could be a sign of a problem.
A big issue that is rarely mentioned is breast cancer and how if affects men. Every year in America 1,400 men develop breast cancer, and about 350 men die each year.