Tamoxifen to prevent cancer

[purpleme12]

Hello
I was just wondering if anyone has taken tamoxifen to reduce the chances of getting cancer?
Eg if they're a higher risk of getting it
If you did did you take it all your life after your started?
I don't have anyone who's in this situation

I take up it after having breast cancer to reduce the risk of re-occurrence. Initially they said to take it for five years, and now they say ten.

Are you considering taking it because of high family risk? I’m not sure it’s given to non breast cancer patients (may be wrong).

Well it's because my mum has cancer and my grandma and my great grandma (maybe goes back more I don't know)
Anyway when my mum had cancer (although not the gene which is good) her doctor sent her a letter saying her daughter, me, is at moderately increased risk and I could consider taking tamoxifen around 35-40. I've turned 35 so it got me thinking about it.
I haven't gone to my doctor with this letter.
I'm guessing I go to my GP to talk about it
It's very new and I've just thought about it because I've turned 35

Thank you for replying x

I'm taking it due to family history. I've had no side effects so it's been absolutely fine. I've only been taking it for 6 months and am only late thirties so don't know the effect it will have but I was keen to use it to reduce my risk. I need to double check actually whether I need to always take it or just for 5 years but I'm fine if it's for life.

My GP was very supportive and seemed keen on me starting it. It was really easy.

I was referred by my gp to the breast cancer family history clinic at the local hospital. My fam history wasn’t enough to consider genetic testing on the nhs. After that I had a small lump removed privately and the consultant suggested I did a private genetic test which I did and it was negative which put my mind at rest- but I still am on a more regular screening.

Sorry your question was about Tamoxifen- I would ask for a referral to the local Breast cancer family history clinic & they can discuss Extra screening, Tamoxifen and/or other preventative things you can do x

Tamoxifen is indicated for the prevention of breast cancer in at risk population according to the BNF, 20mg daily for 5 years.
I had a quick look at the summary of Product Characteristics and there have been studies of its use in women at high risk of breast cancer. The Royal Marsden gave it for 8 years but other centres gave it for 5 years. The women were followed up for 20 years, so it looks as if it has been investigated for a number of years and your mother's consultant is on the ball.

Thank you everyone very helpful and it's good to hear your GP was helpful @Winecheesesleep. I don't know anyone who's had this situation in real life so no one to ask

Thank you @SpringFan that's good to know

I agree, speak to the gp and get a referral to your local breast cancer clinic. They can look at your family history and do a genetic test.

I'm not sure I'd get a genetic test cos mum got tested for the brca gene or whatever it's called and she didn't have it. Because I know if she did have it they'd have tested me then if I wanted to
But thank you I guess I'll go to the doctors. I don't really want to talk about something like this over the phone though. Don't know when they're going back to normal

In my surgery, most initial appointments are by phone, but you can then request a face to face,