5 or 10 yrs for Anastrozole following breast cancer ?

[ClockedOff]

Hello, I will shortly be finishing my 5 year course of Anastrozole following breast cancer. I’ve had no side effects from it, and am nervous about stopping as I understand it suppresses oestrogen levels and reduces the risk of my particular type of cancer returning. I’ve read that some people take it for 10 yrs. Does anyone know about the reasons for this or have any experience of it ? I’m worrying about whether I should be asking them about the possibility of continuing. I’m 64 and have been very lucky in that there’s been no signs of cancer spread, I guess I’m nervous at leaving the ‘safety net’ of yearly mammograms and withdrawal of anastrozole. Thank you.

I think it's stopped after 10 years because the risks (of taking it) begin to outweigh the benefit.

Well done for taking it so long!

I'm on it for 10 years, about to start year 7 (I think 🤔). I'm 11 years younger than you, perhaps that's why? I believe as you get older you produce fewer hormones naturally. I'm still having the hot sweats, and all the other lovely side effects menopause brings on (and continues throughout the time on anastrazole 🙄). I keep telling myself, it's better than the alternative...

I was on tamoxifen for 5 years then have agreed to go on Anastrozole for the remaining 5 years. Like you have had very few side effects so am happy to stay on it. I’d see what your oncologist says?

I think it may be linked to the severity/grade/likely chance of recurrence. I was originally supposed to be on for 5 years . But when my biopsy results came back with a spread to the lymph nodes I was told I would now be on it for 7 years (bit random)

Have a look at the https://breast.predict.cam/ model and discuss it with your oncologist. Look at the newer version. This gives info on risk.
And talk to the team- if you have concerns you should be able to request future mammograms. It is a very strange time.

Many thanks for all your replies, they were very helpful.

I spoke with the breast cancer nursing team and they reassured me my case would have been thoroughly looked at when deciding that 5 yrs of Anastrozole was enough, so I’ll stop worrying about it.

I’ve also asked about continuing with yearly mammograms for reassurance but they don’t think that is necessary for me, however I’ll look into having them done privately which apparently some patients do for peace of mind. They said it’s not massively expensive, and if anything suspicious was found you can revert back to the NHS. I had to see my GP yesterday about something else and he also reassured me that having a yearly private mammogram doesn’t mean you would have to pay for private treatment if a problem was found that way.

It’s a tricky time … wonderful to have got this far, but also worrying to be ‘let loose’ from the various safety nets. So I’ll plan for a yearly private mammogram and keep doing my own monthly checks, and have a feeling that the anxiety will wear off over time 🤞