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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to be considering this? (A bit more of a WWYD really - Tamoxifen)

10 replies

ScarletLady02 · 01/07/2013 10:32

My Mum recently told me about the NHS offering tamoxifen (and another drug) to "at risk" patients to help cut the cancer risk. I'd love some opinions and thoughts on it. Is it something you'd consider? My Mum was diagnosed in her late 30s (and is now terminal) and her Nan had it as well, so I'm not sure if that counts me as "at risk" yet. I do know I'm eligible for early screening (starts next year at 30).

There are side effects to consider, but if it can really help almost halve the risk of my family having to go through it all again, then I'm really thinking about it. I know it's a personal decision, but I'd love to hear from other people if you're happy to contribute.

OP posts:

Original poster

ScarletLady02 · 01/07/2013 10:33

Sorry...meant to post a link

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23032371

OP posts:

YellowDinosaur · 01/07/2013 10:35

I'd go and see your gp and ask to be referred to the local breast clinic to discuss this. Most run a designated family history clinic. They will be able to assess your actual risk, tell you what the benefits would be or even if you are eligible and also the risks so you can make an informed decision.

Original poster

ScarletLady02 · 01/07/2013 10:39

I do plan to mention it to my GP, I'm actually going today for something else so was going to ask about it then. I remember my Mum being given Tamoxifen when it was being trialled and it had fantastic results (I know I said she was now terminal, but the Tamoxifen gave her a few cancer free years).

OP posts:

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 01/07/2013 10:41

I am very sorry to hear about your Mum.

I would go and speak to the family history clinic and get some advice on all your options - if you haven't already been referred then speak to your GP. Have you been offered genetic testing and would that be something you would consider? How old was your Nan (maternal?) when she had BC.

My DM developed BC in her late 30s so I was screened from my mid 30s. I have now been signed off from screening as I am several years older than my mum was when she developed BC.

Its not unreasonable to consider it but you are still too young, its from 35, so you have time to research more fully.

YellowDinosaur · 01/07/2013 10:47

Definitely mention out to your gp.

To clarify though - are you talking about your mum and her gran? Because if this is the case you might not be at any increased risk of great cancer compared to the general population. This is because breast cancer is very common so the chances of it happening by chance are pretty high - about 1 in 9 over your lifetime. Only a small number of breast cancers are due to an inherited tenancy.

If it is your mum and her mum you may be at an increased risk depending on the age they both were when diagnosed. Other family members with breast or ovarian cancer may increase your risk.

It's not totally straightforward as you can see which is why you need a proper assessment. Good luck x

YellowDinosaur · 01/07/2013 10:49

Thanks dyac - great cancer should be breast cancer....

And yes, very sorry about your mum.

cozietoesie · 01/07/2013 10:49

It sounds as if you're in the at risk group - direct maternal relatives with pre-menopausal breast cancer. Discuss it with your GP.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 01/07/2013 10:52

As YellowDinosaur says its worth remembering that the single biggest risk factor for breast cancer is age. So if it was your DM's Nan and she developed BC when she was older then this may not be that significant.

Tee2072 · 01/07/2013 10:56

I would say if there was anything to lessen your chances of getting cancer, do it.

I have no idea what the side effects are, but they are bound to be better than being terminal.

Sorry to hear about your mum.

YellowDinosaur · 01/07/2013 11:01

Tee the side effects of tamoxifen include endometrial cancer and thromboembolism - blood clots in the legs and lung that can be fatal. Balancing the risks in a patient who already has cancer is one thing. Bear in mind in the op case we're talking about giving the drug to someone who is healthy, without cancer.

This is why it's pretty crucial to make sure that the risk of a hereditary breast cancer is a significant risk, in order to balance the risks of the side effects of trying to prevent it. If she is at high risk of a hereditary cancer then the risks are probably worth it but without a proper assessment of what the individual risks are it's not possible to say.

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