Is there any benefit to taking anastrozole for more than 5 years after 5 years of tamoxifen?
The available information doesn't specifically address extending anastrozole beyond 5 years after completing tamoxifen. However, here's what's generally known about hormonal therapy duration:
Breast cancer survivors are typically Show Full Answer
Estertest is what gave me breast cancer. I was on leterzole for 10 years after chemo and radation
Maybe. There is test called BCI, Breast Cancer Index. It tests the the surgical tumor, and tells if you would benefit from another 5 years of anti estrogen therapy. I know of people that take beyond 10 years. There is no research to support this.
The key thing to do while on an AI is take a supplement that is for immune health. You want your body to be able to recognize and kill off any cancer cells. Don't wait to do this after 5 years is up, do it starting now. And even though weight loss is hard while on these drugs, choose a plan to get rid of body fat because estrogen is manufactured in our body fat.
Very hard decision Jan. If your cancer is estrogen dependent and you don't take anything to deplete that estrogen it opens the possibility of cancer coming back. Often cancer cells go into dormancy and are able to survive treatments and they will come out when the coast is clear. This is troubling because every woman who has completed 5 years of taking a drug meant to suppress estrogen are on their own when 5 yrs is done. It is also said if women stay on the drug for 5 years, the drug will protect them another 1-2 years. But then what happens ? Just have to hope all dormant cells are gone and that your body has a good immune system that will recognize a bad cell and destroy it.