NHS officials have disclosed plans to provide a “repurposed” medication capable of both preventing and treating breast cancer to nearly 300,000 women. Anastrozole, originally intended for the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, has demonstrated its potential to not only address existing cases but also to serve as a preventative measure against the disease. Clinical trials have indicated the potential for a 49% reduction in breast cancer cases over an 11-year period.
This drug will be extended to 289,000 post-menopausal women in England, particularly those assessed to have a moderate or higher risk of developing breast cancer. NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard noted, “This marks the inaugural instance of repurposing a drug through an innovative program aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of existing medications to save and enhance more lives.”
Although Anastrozole was initially proposed as a preventive option by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) in 2017, its adoption was limited due to its unlicensed status for this purpose. Recent research has revealed that the protective benefits persist for years after discontinuation, leading to its approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS:
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following.
• a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before;
• a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts;
• a discharge of fluid from either nipple;
• a lump or swelling in either armpit;
• a change in the look or feel of skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness;
• a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around the nipple;
• a change in the appearance of a nipple, such as becoming sunken into the breast.
The treatment involves a daily intake of a 1mg tablet over a five-year period. Its mechanism of action is centered on the reduction of estrogen production in the body by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme known as aromatase.
The most frequently observed side effects associated with this medication encompass hot flushes, sensations of weakness, joint pain or stiffness, arthritis, skin rashes, nausea, headaches, osteoporosis, and feelings of depression.
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent form of cancer in England, with approximately 47,000 women being diagnosed each year.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, the CEO of the charity Breast Cancer Now, regards this development as a significant stride forward, providing more women with the opportunity to mitigate their risk of developing the disease.
Health Minister Will Quince commented, “We’ve already witnessed the favorable impact of anastrozole in treating the disease in post-menopausal women once it’s detected. Now, we have the capacity to employ it as a preventive measure for certain women, halting its development altogether.”
This addition enhances the array of preventative breast cancer medications available within the NHS, which already includes licensed options like tamoxifen and raloxifene.
As per information from the NHS, the primary indication of breast cancer that is typically observed by most women is the presence of a lump or a region of denser tissue within their breast.
While the majority of breast lumps are non-cancerous, it is highly advisable to seek a medical evaluation for proper assessment, according to healthcare experts.
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