Providing accurate information to women about tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer: current indications, effects, and controversies.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To address the uses of and current controversies surrounding tamoxifen therapy for the treatment and possible prevention of breast cancer so nurses may provide patients with accurate information. Factors that may hinder assimilation of information and strategies to enhance patient understanding are discussed.

DATA SOURCES

Published, data-based articles and texts.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The role of tamoxifen in controlling breast cancer includes adjuvant treatment for early stage breast cancer and palliative treatment of advanced disease. Investigational uses of tamoxifen include breast cancer prevention in women at high risk for the disease. Although tamoxifen has its proven benefits, confusion regarding who should take it still exists.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical information as it relates to life-threatening disease often is transmitted to the public in an alarmist manner. While women still have legitimate concerns about tamoxifen use (e.g., increased risk of endometrial cancer and thromboembolic events), the benefits of this treatment for breast cancer (e.g., increased disease-free and overall survival, reduction in contralateral breast cancer) appear to far outweigh the risks.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses should be cognizant of issues related to tamoxifen therapy so they can assist women in making informed decisions. Unbiased communication of the facts with attention to each woman's situation can facilitate individual consideration of options in an informed manner.