Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Many types of breast cancer grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. To slow or stop this kind of cancer, doctors often recommend a hormone-based treatment called endocrine therapy.
This treatment usually involves taking a daily pill, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. These medicines block or lower hormone levels to prevent the cancer from coming back.
For many years, doctors advised patients to take this treatment for five years. However, newer research suggests that taking endocrine therapy for 10 years instead of five could offer better protection, especially for women with a higher risk of their cancer returning, such as those with stage 2 breast cancer. But does that mean women are willing to keep going with the treatment for that long?
To find out, researchers from the University of Michigan and Stanford University conducted a study involving 591 women who had early-stage breast cancer and had already finished five years of hormone therapy. They wanted to know how many women chose to continue the treatment beyond five years.
The results were mixed. Overall, about 47% of the women decided to continue with the therapy. But when looking more closely, women with stage 2 cancer were much more likely to extend treatment—62% of them did so—compared to only 39% of those with stage 1 cancer. This difference makes sense because stage 2 cancer is considered higher risk.
The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It used data from the iCanCare study, which follows women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and gathers information about their treatment choices.
About six years after the women were first diagnosed—around the time they would be finishing their initial five years of endocrine therapy—they were sent follow-up questionnaires. Out of 591 women, 557 responded.
The researchers found several key factors that influenced a woman’s decision to continue treatment. Women who were younger and had already gone through chemotherapy were more likely to say yes to five more years of pills.
Also, those who talked with their primary care doctor about the decision were more likely to continue. But the biggest influences were whether their cancer doctor (oncologist) recommended it, their fear of the cancer returning, and their desire to do everything possible to prevent it.
While the benefits of extending therapy are clearer for stage 2 cancer, they are less certain for stage 1. This is why some women with lower-risk cancer might decide not to continue.
The researchers emphasized how important it is for patients to be supported when making these decisions. Since hormone therapy can last for many years and the side effects—though not as intense as chemotherapy—can be tiring, it’s helpful when patients feel they can talk openly with both their oncologist and their regular doctor.
This team approach, called shared decision-making, is becoming more common and helps patients feel more confident about their choices.
In summary, the study shows that nearly half of women choose to continue hormone therapy beyond five years, especially if they have a higher risk of cancer coming back. Their decision is shaped by their doctor’s advice, their fear of recurrence, and how much they want to reduce their risk.
The findings suggest that more support and better communication between patients and doctors can help women make choices that feel right for them.
This study highlights the emotional and practical challenges of long-term cancer treatment, even when it’s “just a pill.” While not every woman will want or need extended therapy, those at higher risk may find comfort in knowing that continuing treatment can offer real benefits.
If you care about breast cancer, please read studies about how eating patterns help ward off breast cancer, and soy and plant compounds may prevent breast cancer recurrence.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how your grocery list can help guard against caner, and a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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