Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer

Overview

Hormone therapy is a breast cancer treatment. It is used when breast cancer cells have proteins called hormone receptors that let hormones such as estrogen or progesterone help the cancer grow. Hormones are chemical messengers. The treatment works by blocking hormones or lowering hormone levels in the body. It is not the same as menopausal hormone therapy.

Yes. Many breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, so hormone therapy is a very common part of breast cancer care.

It affects people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This can include people before and after menopause. It is not used for every type of breast cancer.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort during sex
• Tiredness or low energy
• Joint or muscle aches
• Mood changes or low mood
• Sleep problems
• Lower sex drive
• Weight changes
• Irregular periods or menopausal symptoms in people who have not gone through menopause
• Thinning bones with long-term treatment that lowers hormone levels
• A small increase in the chance of blood clots with some types of hormone therapy

Symptoms in children

• Hormone therapy for breast cancer is not used in children. Breast cancer in children is extremely rare. Any breast lump in a child should be checked by a doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice more tiredness, joint aches, and bone thinning. They may also have a higher chance of interactions with other medicines. A review of bone health, falls risk, and all medicines can help.

Causes

Main causes

• Hormone therapy is used because tests show the breast cancer has hormone receptors. These are proteins that let hormones help the cancer grow.
• It is not caused by anything you did or did not do. The need for treatment is based on the cancer's features, not on personal blame.
• The aim is to lower the chance of the cancer coming back or to slow or shrink advanced cancer.

Risk factors

• Whether you have gone through menopause
• Your age and general health
• Bone health before treatment
• A history of blood clots
• Liver or kidney health
• Other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take
• The stage and features of the breast cancer

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing up blood
• You have swelling, pain, or redness in one leg
• You have signs of stroke, such as sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or confusion
• You have unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
• You have a severe headache or vision changes
• You have a fever and feel very unwell
• You have thoughts of harming yourself

Book a routine appointment if:

• Side effects are bothering you, even if they seem mild
• You want to talk about bone health, mood, sleep, or sexual health
• You are thinking of starting a new medicine, supplement, or herbal product
• You are finding it hard to take your treatment as planned
• You have new breast symptoms or a new lump

Diagnosis

Hormone therapy is not a diagnosis. The need for it is decided after breast cancer is found and tested. Doctors check whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors, review the stage of the cancer, and consider your menopause status and general health.

Tests that may be done

• Testing a sample of the cancer tissue for hormone receptors, which are proteins that let hormones fuel the cancer
• Imaging scans to check the size and spread of the cancer
• Blood tests to check your general health, liver, and kidneys
• A bone strength scan before some long-term hormone-lowering treatments
• A pregnancy test when needed before starting treatment
• A review of your menopause status and other medicines

What to expect at your appointment

Your cancer team will explain the possible benefits and side effects, how long treatment may last, and how you will be monitored. You can ask questions and share what matters to you before deciding together.

Treatment

Hormone therapy is a systemic treatment, meaning it works throughout the body. It is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It may be given as tablets, injections, or treatment to stop the ovaries from making hormones. Sometimes surgery to remove the ovaries is discussed. The plan depends on the cancer, your menopause status, your health, and your preferences.

Self-care at home

• Keep a note of side effects so you can discuss them with your team
• Stay active with gentle exercise if your team says it is safe
• Protect your bone health with weight-bearing activity and enough calcium and vitamin D from food or supplements advised by your team
• Use cooling tips, loose clothing, and fans for hot flushes
• Ask about safe moisturizers or lubricants for vaginal dryness
• Get support for sleep, mood, and sexual health concerns
• Do not stop treatment on your own; ask your team for help first

Medical treatments

Doctors may use different types of hormone therapy. Some block hormones from attaching to cancer cells. Some lower the amount of hormones the body makes. Some stop the ovaries from making hormones in people who have not gone through menopause. Your team will choose an approach based on the cancer, your menopause status, your health, and your preferences. They will explain the possible benefits and side effects and monitor you during treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often part of breast cancer treatment. Hormone therapy may be started before surgery to shrink some cancers, after surgery to lower the chance of the cancer coming back, or as the main treatment for advanced cancer. In some cases, surgery to remove the ovaries may be discussed as a way to lower hormone levels.

Living with this condition

Hormone therapy can be part of daily life for months or years. Side effects may change over time. Keep in touch with your cancer team, ask for help early, and let them know what is hard for you. Planning rest, movement, and support can make treatment easier to manage.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active in a way that fits your energy and ability
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein
• Limit alcohol and do not smoke
• Protect your bones with weight-bearing activity and falls prevention
• Keep to your monitoring appointments
• Ask your team before using supplements or herbal products

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet that treats breast cancer or prevents hormone therapy side effects. A balanced diet and regular movement can help with energy, mood, weight, bone health, and sleep. Ask your team about an activity plan that is safe for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious, low, or worried about treatment and side effects. These feelings can affect sleep, relationships, and daily life. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or a crisis support service right away.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for hormone therapy, and it is not your fault. You can lower some side-effect risks by staying active, protecting your bone health, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting side effects checked early.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for breast cancer or for hormone therapy side effects. Keep up routine vaccines advised by your healthcare team.

Screening programmes

Hormone therapy is not a screening test. Keep up breast screening and follow your cancer team's monitoring plan, including bone health checks if needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• For someone advised to have hormone therapy, not having it can raise the chance that hormone-sensitive breast cancer comes back or grows.
• Side effects that are not managed can harm quality of life and may lead some people to stop treatment without advice.
• Long-term treatment that lowers hormone levels can weaken bones, so monitoring and bone protection matter.
• Some hormone therapies can raise the chance of blood clots or changes in the lining of the womb, so new symptoms should be checked.

Long-term outlook

Many people do well with hormone therapy and live full lives during and after treatment. Side effects are often manageable with support. Your cancer team will watch your progress and adjust the plan when needed.

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