Another Drug May Prevent Breast Cancer

Women with an above-average risk of breast cancer may have a new option for preventing it. A new study found that taking exemestane (Aromasin) lowered the risk of developing this cancer. Tamoxifen and raloxifene also can help prevent breast cancer. But many women don’t take them because of side effects. Study results were presented June 5 at a conference. The study included 4,560 women. All had an above-average risk of developing breast cancer. Some were just age 60 or older. Some had a history of abnormal cells in the breast or a cancer that was in a breast duct only. Some had a high score on a scale that includes family history and other factors that increase risk. The women were randomly assigned to take exemestane or placebo (fake) pills. In the next 3 years, there were 11 cases of invasive (growing) breast cancer among the women who took exemestane.