Patients miss breast cancer treatment

Wednesday November 5th, 2008

As many as half of the women who take a life-saving breast cancer drug never finish their treatment, researchers warned today.

And as many as 20 per cent of women often forget to take a pill when they are prescribed the drug tamoxifen.

By missing treatment, the women put at risk their chances of surviving the cancer, according to Scottish researchers.

The study, reported in the British Journal of Cancer, links missing one tablet in five to a ten per cent increased risk of dying.

The analysis of some 2,000 women found that as many as ten per cent stopped treatment after one year and 19 per cent after two years.

Researchers at Dundee University studied the women's prescription records and linked them to other records showing whether they survived the cancer.

Researcher Professor Alastair Thompson, of Ninewells Hospital Dundee, said the findings painted a "worrying picture".

He said: "Tamoxifen is prescribed for five years to offer the best chance of surviving breast cancer, and not taking the tablets means that many women could be disadvantaged.

"Doctors and nurses should encourage patients to keep taking their prescribed medications, ensure side effects are managed as best as possible and thus get the maximum benefit from the medication."

Dr Lesley Walker, of Cancer Research UK, said: "We know that tamoxifen saves lives, so these results are a real concern.

"It's not disastrous if women simply forget to take the occasional tablet but if they forget regularly and don’t complete their treatment we need to know why. We need to make it clear that taking tamoxifen regularly for the full five years gives women the best chance of surviving breast cancer."

She added: "If women are experiencing problems in taking any medication then we urge them to consult their doctor."

Cohort study examining tamoxifen adherence and its relationship to mortality in women with breast cancer British Journal of Cancer November 4 2008.

Tags: Cancer | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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