Tamoxifen tablets?!

Tamoxifen tablets?

just been told by a friend that she must take tamoxifen because of Breast cancer. But she is worried because one of the side effect is possibility of varian cancer.
why is this given to cure one sort of cancer and give another one.
are there nothing else that wil really eliminate cancerous cell.

would like comments from those taking it and those that has refused it. what is the alternative

thanks

There is no cure for cancer, but there is treatment. Once people realize that than they can look at their options for treatment. It is hoped that if the patient responds to treatment the result will be to control the disease and eventually go into remission. There are reasons that certain drugs are offered to patients even though there are serious side effects. The reason is simple . . without treatment the cancer will spread and she will die. Looking at the perspective of choosing a chance at life or certain death . . than the offer of a drug with side effects takes on whole new meaning. If Tamoxifen works for her she may be able to go on and live. It is a risk and there are no guarantees. Remember there is no cure for cancer and there is no gurantee with any drug or any treatment that will be offered to her will even work. None. Her life stands on the edge of a knife . . and no one knows which way she will fall. Keep in mind too that there is also no cure for diabetes or other serious illnessess . . but there are treatments. Cancer is becoming a disease in which it can be treated long term. Cancer is becoming a chronic disease for many people. If she can find a drug that works for her, than they can gain control of the disease, shrink it, offer surgery, kill off metastatic tumors . . but that is a chance she will need to take. For many people the drugs will work. Your friend must decide what risks she willing to take to get rid of her cancer and to live.

I would suggest that she do research into the disease. Read, study, and seek out others with the same disease, stage, and treatments. Ask people what to expect and if this was a good choice for this disease. Most drugs being offered have had extensive research and gone through Clinical Trials. People have used it successfully, but again, everyone is unique and the drug might not work for her. She needs to explore her options and than make a tough decision.

NCCN: Patient Guide for Breast Cancer
http://www.nccn.org/patients/patient_gls...

The professional guide to the treatment of breast cancer -

NCCN: Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
Breast Cancer
http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physic...

There are many, many Breast cancer support groups and websites where she can find excellent answers to her questions. This is only one:
ACOR: Breast-Cancer Discussion List
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/breast...

Breast Cancer Support
http://bcsupport.org/

Good luck.