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Welcome to Fight Cancer Global's informational Blog series. Our aim is to empower individuals with knowledge and resources to combat cancer. Today's topic will explore the role of hormone therapy in managing breast cancer, offering valuable insights and actionable steps to aid you and your family in the fight against cancer.

What is the role of hormone therapy in managing breast cancer?

Hormone therapy is primarily used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, which means that the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. These hormones can fuel cancer growth, and hormone therapy aims to block their effects on the cancer cells.

Hormone therapy can be used as adjuvant therapy, meaning it is given after primary treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. This approach helps to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Hormone therapy can also be used as neoadjuvant therapy, meaning it is given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make surgery more effective.

There are several types of hormone therapy, including selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane, and estrogen receptor downregulators (ERDs) like fulvestrant. Each type works in a slightly different way to block the effects of hormones on cancer cells.

Hormone therapy can cause side effects, some of which may be similar to menopausal symptoms. These can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and fatigue. Monitoring and managing these side effects is important for maintaining quality of life during treatment.

The duration of hormone therapy depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the type of hormone therapy used, and the patient's individual circumstances. Typically, hormone therapy is given for at least five years, but in some cases, it may be extended to ten years or more.

In summary, hormone therapy plays a crucial role in managing hormone receptor-positive breast cancers by blocking the effects of hormones on cancer cells. It can be used as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy and comes in several different forms. Side effects need to be monitored and managed during treatment, and the duration of therapy will depend on individual circumstances.

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