The standard recommendation is to take hormone therapy for at least 5 years, as stopping early can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Research shows that stopping treatment early nearly doubles the risk of recurrence - with studies finding 20% recurrence in those who quit early versus 11% in those Show Full Answer
The standard recommendation is to take hormone therapy for at least 5 years, as stopping early can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Research shows that stopping treatment early nearly doubles the risk of recurrence - with studies finding 20% recurrence in those who quit early versus 11% in those who completed the full course.
Taking hormone therapy for the prescribed duration can lower recurrence risk by up to 50% and decrease the risk of dying from breast cancer by 30%. If you're considering stopping hormone therapy before the recommended timeframe, it's crucial to discuss this with your cancer care team first. They can help:
• Suggest ways to manage side effects
• Adjust your medication dosage
• Consider switching to a different hormone therapy
• Explore complementary therapies like:
- Talk therapy
- Breathing exercises
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
September 13, 2025