Study: Treatment for cancer has preventive benefit

Using tamoxifen in hopes of preventing breast cancer would benefit more than 2.4 million women, the vast majority middle-aged and white, despite the drug's serious side effects.

Women facing prophylactic mastectomy need more advice and support

Women who go ahead with surgery are not prepared for the level of postoperative incapacity, and after surgery most women experience pain or discomfort for between 10 days and six months. More counselling, increased support, and better information are needed by women making decisions about prophylactic mastectomy.