Which statement about SERMs for breast cancer prevention is true?

Which statement about SERMs for breast cancer prevention is true?

• A. SERM (Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) can be used in postmenopausal women or women over 35 with high risk for breast cancer, for 5 years.
• B. SERM use is limited to premenopausal women with a family history, for 2 years.
• C. SERMs should be used only after menopause and for 10 years.
• D. SERMs have been shown to be ineffective for prevention.

Answer: (A)

SERMs act by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which reduces the risk of developing estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer in women at high risk. In practice, this chemoprevention is used for about five years in those who are at high risk, with tamoxifen usable in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and raloxifene approved for postmenopausal women at high risk. This aligns with guidelines and major trials showing a meaningful reduction in breast cancer incidence over a five-year course, making the statement that these drugs can be used in postmenopausal women or in women over 35 with high risk for five years the true one. The other options are inconsistent with current practice: prevention isn’t limited to premenopausal women or restricted to a two-year duration, nor are SERMs ineffective for prevention.

SERMs act by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which reduces the risk of developing estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer in women at high risk. In practice, this chemoprevention is used for about five years in those who are at high risk, with tamoxifen usable in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and raloxifene approved for postmenopausal women at high risk. This aligns with guidelines and major trials showing a meaningful reduction in breast cancer incidence over a five-year course, making the statement that these drugs can be used in postmenopausal women or in women over 35 with high risk for five years the true one. The other options are inconsistent with current practice: prevention isn’t limited to premenopausal women or restricted to a two-year duration, nor are SERMs ineffective for prevention.