Tamoxifen or No-toxifen? Experts Looking at Flaxseed Instead for Those at Risk for Breast Cancer
Early on, when I was being treated for what was at the time considered breast cancer (now called "precancer"), I was told go on tamoxifen, a drug that would prevent recurrence. It's the standard protocol and now women who are at high risk of the disease are also being told to take it. But the drug has risks, and although mild, they're still there. One is hot flashes, irregular or ended menstrual periods, weight gain, lots of pretty things. I went off it when my second set of precancerous cells were found (hadn't worked for me!), but many women don't want to go on it at all. Is this wise? If you're at high risk, probably not. But a study is being conducted to find out whether "flaxseed, a natural food, has the potential to be a safe and effective alternative for preventing breast cancer in women," according to newswise.com. Many physicians currently recommend prevention strategies that. while they may decrease the chance of being dia...