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You may have seen or heard media coverage today about new research that has shown a link between tamoxifen and certain antidepressant drugs in some women. This builds on other studies in this area.
The research, reported in the British Medical Journal, shows that the antidepressant paroxetine, commonly sold in Australia under the brand name Aropax, may impair the effectiveness of tamoxifen when the two drugs are taken together.
The researchers stressed that paroxetine itself does not cause or influence the course of breast cancer, but that it can reduce the body's ability to metabolise tamoxifen.
Other types of antidepressants were not found to have this effect when taken with tamoxifen.
It is not recommended that women stop taking tamoxifen or their antidepressant medication. However, if you are taking tamoxifen and a form of paroxetine, you may like to talk to your GP or oncologist about the study's findings to determine the best treatment for you.
BCNA's Depression and Breast Cancer fact sheet recommends women speak to their doctor before starting, stopping or altering any antidepressant medication.
The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre has commented on the research and you can view their statement here. NBOCC recommends that women who are taking this combination of drugs may like to discuss it with their doctor.
If you have any concerns, you may like to call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.
Last updated: 10 February 2010
The Latest on Breast Self-Examination
You may have noticed recent media coverage of the new guidelines for the United States on screening for breast cancer. In particular, some of the media reports have suggested that women should not be undertaking breast self-examination.
This is unfortunate wording, as it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t touch or check your breasts yourself. Rather the suggestion is that there is no rigid or specific way you should be doing this.
Getting to know the look and feel of your own breasts is the best approach. This is really about getting to know what’s normal for you, and being proactive about any changes that you may notice, by talking to your doctor.
Australia’s National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) suggest that there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts, and no special technique is required. To read more about their ‘Cheeky Check-Up’ campaign for young women, click here.
Last updated: February 2010
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