Estrogen and progesterone signal cell division why do women still get breast cancer after the menopause?

Annamae

What I mean is that tamoxifen and drugs try to cancel the effects of estrogen and progesterone. That shouldn't even be applicable to women past menopause!



Norah

Scientists have identified two genes which are more likely to be defective in a breast cancer patient than someone without breast cancer. These genes are also blamed for some other cancers. However, even the two mutated genes are thought only to be responsible for approximately 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases. Hormones seem to have an important role in breast cancer. Research has shown a link between levels of the female sex hormone, oestrogen, and the risk of developing breast cancer. Women who take certain types of hormone replacement therapy are at higher risk of breast cancer. Women who have their first child later in life also appear to be at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen blocks the female sex hormone oestrogen. The hormone influences the growth of cells related to female reproduction, such as those in the breast or the uterus. If there is too much oestrogen in the system, cell growth can accelerate to the point where tumours start to develop. Tamoxifen competes with the sex hormone for the same proteins - called receptors - found on the surface of cancer cells. When the drug locks onto the receptors it blocks the way for oestrogen - which would otherwise activate the cancer cell to divide and make the tumour grow. Tamoxifen may cause cancer of the uterus (womb), strokes, and blood clots in the lungs. These conditions may be serious or fatal.



Nola

cancer is bad



Steven

My grandmother had breast cancer at the age of 75 and was put on tamoxifen, my mother has just gone threw an op and is not sure what medication if any she will be given. Not everyone is put on tamoxifen its all to do with estrogen receptors or something like that and that will depend what medication you get. I forget the exact words. The specialist told my mum genetics has a lot to do with it so its not always the hormones that mean they are given the tablets as they are meant to keep at bay the cancer. Its awhile since all this was explained to me so sorry if its a bit disjointed.



Cherri

estrogen and progesterone do a lot more than signal cell division. not all breast cancers are estrogen sensitive. some are independent of hormone stimulation and can arise from a familial defect or acquired because of exposure to certain carcinogens.



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