Which medication can slow or stop the growth of cancer and prevent its recurrence in high-risk women?

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is widely used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease. It works by binding to estrogen receptors in breast tissue, effectively blocking the action of estrogen, which can fuel the growth of certain types of breast tumors. By inhibiting the effects of estrogen, Tamoxifen can slow or halt the progression of cancer and significantly reduce the risk of recurrence after initial treatment.

The use of Tamoxifen is particularly beneficial for premenopausal women or those with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, as estrogen plays a crucial role in the growth of these cancers. It is a cornerstone of adjuvant therapy in many treatment plans for early-stage breast cancer and is also prescribed as a prophylactic measure in women at high risk for developing the disease.

Other treatments mentioned, such as radiation therapy, generally target existing tumors rather than preventing their recurrence. Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer, but it is not specifically a preventive measure. Anastrozole, while also an effective medication in certain cases, is typically used in postmenopausal women and works by lowering estrogen levels in the body,