Is Tamoxifen a chemotherapy drug, and is it effective in preventing breast cancer?
Tamoxifen is a chemotherapeutic agent (a drug used to treat cancer because it can alter the growth of cancer cells). It is indicated to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer. The recommended dose for this indication is 20 mg of Tamoxifen daily for 5 years. Not all women should receive Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer. The decision to use Tamoxifen in a healthy woman for prevention reasons should be made in close consult with a knowledgeable physician who knows the patient’s medical history.
