•  
  •  

Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer

Hormone therapy is used to change the way hormones stimulate cancer growth. These medicines either block the effects hormones have on the cancer cells or block the production of the hormones.

If tests show that the breast cancer cells have estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR-positive), hormone therapy may be used. Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are the most commonly used hormonal therapies. Other hormonal therapies include progestins, such as megestrol (Megace), and antiestrogen, such as fulvestrant.

Last Revised: June 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.