In patients with oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy (known also as endocrine treatment), reduces the amount of oestrogen circulating in the blood and tissues, by switching off the oestrogen production engines in the body. This reduces the chances of the breast cancer returning. It has also been shown to improve survival in patients with oestrogen-positive breast cancer.
The type of hormonal therapy you may require depends on whether you have been through the menopause or not.
The duration of hormonal therapy (from 5 to 10 years) depends of how high the risk of breast cancer is to come back in the future.
Most women cope well with hormonal therapy. Some however will experience side effects such as fatigue, mood swings, hot flushes, joint aches and pains, weight gaining and bone weakness. Mr Charalampoudis and his expert Team of Oncologists and Clinical Nurse Specialists will consult you on side effects of hormonal therapy and will follow you up closely on how you are coping with your treatment.