Tumour growth may be suppressed by reducing the level of the female hormone estrogen. Drugs such as tamoxifen, which blocks the effect of estrogen, are given to counter this growth. Tamoxifen is taken in pill form, usually for five years.

Other drugs called aromatase inhibitors, block the production of estrogen. Drugs in this group include anastrozole and letrozole. These drugs are sometimes used instead of tamoxifen or if tamoxifen has not worked.

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