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Cancer prevention medicines are crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding the risks associated with cancer. Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, there are certain medicines that can help lower the risk of developing cancer.
In this article, we will take a closer look at cancer prevention medicine and its benefits.
Understanding Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention medicine refers to drugs that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. There are different types of cancer prevention medicine, each with its own set of benefits and risks. These medicines work by preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Types of Cancer Prevention Medicines
There are two types of cancer prevention medicine:
1. Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
SERMs, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, work by blocking the effects of oestrogen on breast tissue, thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer.
2. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs)
AIs, such as exemestane and anastrozole, work by reducing the production of oestrogen in the body, which can help lower the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Benefits of Cancer Prevention Medicines
The benefits of cancer prevention medicine are clear. They can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer in high-risk individuals. For example, taking tamoxifen for 5 years can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 50%.
In addition, taking cancer prevention medicine can also help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in individuals who have already had cancer.
Also read: Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Common Cancer Prevention Medicines
Tamoxifen is one of the most commonly prescribed cancer prevention medicines for breast cancer. It is typically taken for 5 years and is effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Raloxifene is another SERM that is effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer. It is typically prescribed for postmenopausal women and can also help prevent osteoporosis.
Aspirin is a common cancer prevention medicine for colon cancer. It works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Finasteride is another cancer prevention medicine that is effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. It works by blocking the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Metformin is a diabetes drug that has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of various types of cancer.
Risks and Side Effects of Cancer Prevention Medicines
Like all drugs, cancer prevention medicine comes with potential risks and side effects. For example, tamoxifen can increase the risk of developing blood clots and uterine cancer, while AIs can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Also read: Cancer: How to navigate the deadly disease
Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding, and finasteride can cause sexual dysfunction.
However, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of cancer prevention medicine with your doctor before starting any medication.
Tips For Taking Cancer Medicine
To get the most benefit from cancer prevention medicine, it is important to adhere to the prescribed medication schedule.
In addition, certain lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can enhance the effectiveness of cancer prevention medicine. More so, it is very important to monitor for potential side effects and report any concerns to your doctor.
In conclusion, cancer prevention medicine can be an effective tool for reducing the risk of developing cancer. However, it is important to understand the potential benefits and risks of these medications and discuss them with your doctor before making use of any of them.
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