Where to go from here?

Reaching the five year point since first diagnosis is a big milestone for breast cancer patients. However the threat of breast cancer returning continues to cast a shadow over the lives of women and their families. The five year landmark is also an important crossroads, particularly for women taking tamoxifen when after five years, the risks outweigh the benefits of continuing treatment. Modern day advancements continue to throw women lifelines, lowering the risk of breast cancer recurrence, making the five year mark a time to reflect on future treatment decisions.

So what are the options after five years of tamoxifen?

• Switching to a different therapy regime.
• Seeking alternative and complementary medication.
• Stopping treatment all together.

It is extremely important to think about these different options before making a decision on how your treatment should progress. Talk to your GP/oncologist about these options, or alternatively, you can seek advice from Patient Support Groups.