Adherence increased among those women most fearful of disease recurrence
Many women whose breast cancer expresses the hormones estrogen or progesterone are recommended a daily intake of tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors for 5 years. Yet, according to a new study, 25% of women either do not begin or do not complete the 5-year course.
The study, led by University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers, included 743 women in the Detroit and Los Angeles areas who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 9 months following their diagnosis and again about 4 years later, the women answered questions about their use of tamoxifen or any type of aromatase inhibitor.
Researchers discovered that about 11% of the women never initiated therapy and 15% discontinued it early. Among those surveyed, side effects were the most common reason for ceasing or never starting endocrine therapy.
Women expressing greater concern regarding cancer recurrence were more likely to complete endocrine therapy. However, those less likely to begin treatment included those who received little information about endocrine therapy and those who saw a breast surgeon as their primary follow-up rather than a medical oncologist.
Study results are published online in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
Source: University of Michigan Health System.