Chemoprevention with Tamoxifen or Raloxifene
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating how women with an increased risk of breast cancer view tamoxifen or raloxifene as chemoprevention: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
197914
Contact name
Susan J Booker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Bradford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 14 days
Research summary
In June 2013 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence produced guidelines for the management of women at risk of developing breast cancer in the UK. The guidelines recommend considering chemoprevention, using the drugs tamoxifen or raloxifene for women at a moderate or high risk of breast cancer unless contraindicated.
Four previously published randomised controlled clinical trials indicate women with an increased risk of breast cancer who took tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer developing by 33%.
The decision whether or not to consider chemoprevention are complex as both drugs can have side effects, however recent reviews indicate that uptake of chemoprevention in the United States and United Kingdom is poor.
As this policy has only been practice in the UK since 2013, there are few reports, especially in the United Kingdom measuring women’s decisions about whether or not to take chemoprevention.
This study will interview women who are eligible for, and have been given information regarding taking tamoxifen or raloxifene as chemoprevention, to explore the barriers and facilitators for them taking it.
In order to be eligible for the research, participants must have been assessed to have a moderate or high risk of developing breast cancer and have been given information regarding chemoprevention with tamoxifen or raloxifene. They must be female and over the age of 35, with no personal or family history of blood clots or endometrial cancer. Participants will be recruited from Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. There is no funding for the research as it is a final stage research study as part of a Master’s programme.
The results of this study will highlight women’s decision making regarding taking chemoprevention and thereby influence the possible ways women are approached when discussing chemoprevention and enable them to make an informed decision.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0077
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion