Top Hormone therapy for breast cancer Doctors in India

Max Hospital, India houses some of the best specialists for Hormone therapy for breast cancer that are trained to provide best treatments available with the latest technology. The doctors can be consulted at India through in-hospital appointments and video consultations. Learn more about Hormone therapy for breast cancer doctors’ qualification, background, specialization and experience. Book doctor appointments online, check OPD timings at one of the best hospitals in India.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hormone therapy is a systemic treatment that uses medication to interfere with hormone receptors in breast cancer cells. It aims to block the effects of hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone, which can promote the growth of breast cancer.

Hormone therapy is primarily used for breast cancer patients whose tumours have hormone receptors (ER-positive or PR-positive). These receptors indicate that hormones may be fueling the growth of cancer cells.

Hormone therapy can work in different ways, but the most common approach is to use medications that either block the hormone receptors (selective estrogen receptor modulators) or reduce the production of hormones (aromatase inhibitors).

Hormone therapy can decresase the risk of cancer recurrence, prevent the development of new tumours, and improve overall survival rates. It is often used in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Common hormone therapy medications include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane), and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene.

The duration of hormone therapy varies depending on the individual case, but it can be recommended for 5 to 10 years or even longer in some situations.

Yes, hormone therapy can be used in premenopausal women. Depending on the situation, different medications or techniques may be employed, such as ovarian suppression, to reduce hormone production.

Postmenopausal women often receive hormone therapy, as their bodies produce fewer hormones naturally.

Yes, hormone therapy can also be used in men with breast cancer. While it is less common, men can develop breast cancer, and hormone receptors may be present.

Yes, genetic tests such as Oncotype DX or Mammaprint can analyse the activity of specific genes in breast cancer cells, helping to predict the likelihood of benefiting from hormone therapy.

In certain high-risk situations, hormone therapy may be considered for preventive purposes, especially in women with a strong family history of breast cancer or specific genetic mutations.

Yes, hormone therapy is commonly used as a first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer, which can help control the growth of cancer cells and alleviate symptoms.

Hormone therapy is primarily effective for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. For hormone receptor-negative breast cancer, hormone therapy is not typically used as it doesn't provide significant benefits.

Hormone therapy can have an impact on fertility, particularly in premenopausal women.

Weight gain is a side effect of hormone therapy, but it is not experienced by everyone.

Some hormone therapy medications, such as tamoxifen, may increase the risk of developing endometrial (uterine) cancer. However, the overall benefits usually outweigh this risk. Close monitoring and regular check-ups are important.

For patients who cannot tolerate hormone therapy or have hormone receptor-negative breast cancer, other treatment options like targeted therapies or chemotherapy may be recommended.

If side effects from hormone therapy become severe or intolerable, it is crucial to discuss these concerns with a healthcare provider. In some cases, alternative medications or adjustments in dosage can help alleviate side effects without compromising treatment effectiveness.

There are different types of hormone therapy for breast cancer, including Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) such as anastrozole and letrozole, and selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) such as fulvestrant.

Hormone therapy acts by blocking the effects of hormones such as estrogen on breast cancer cells. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells rely on estrogen to grow and divide, so blocking the effects of estrogen can slow down the growth of these cells.

No, hormone therapy is only effective for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. About 60% of all breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they have receptors for estrogen and/or progesterone on their surface.

The recommended duration of hormone therapy for breast cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer and the individual patient's medical history. In general, hormone therapy may be prescribed for several years or even longer, depending on the patient's response to treatment.

Hormone therapy can be administered orally in the form of pills or through injection.

The long-term side effects of hormone therapy can be an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and specific types of cancer, such as endometrial cancer. However, the benefits of hormone therapy in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence and extending survival generally outweigh the potential risks.

Yes, men with breast cancer can receive hormone therapy, although breast cancer is more common in women. Men can develop hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, and hormone therapy can be an effective treatment modality.

Yes, factors such as the stage and grade of cancer, the age of the patient, and presence of other co-morbidities can affect the effectiveness of hormone therapy. In addition, certain medications and herbal supplements can interact with hormone therapy and affect its effectiveness.

Hormone therapy can cause temporary or permanent infertility in some patients. For women of reproductive age, hormone therapy may cause temporary or permanent cessation of menstrual periods. For men, hormone therapy can cause a decrease in testosterone levels, which can lead to infertility.

Yes, hormone therapy can be used as a preventive measure in women with a high risk of developing breast cancer. This is called chemoprevention, and it involves taking hormone therapy to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The frequency of follow-up consultation will depend on the individual patient's medical history and the stage of their cancer.

Yes, patients may switch from one type of hormone therapy to another if their cancer progresses or if they experience side effects. However, the decision to switch treatments should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Review

FAQs reviewed by Dr. Gopal Sharma, Director, Medical Oncology (Breast, Thoracic, Gynaecology) on 20-July-2023.

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