2/15/25
Chemoprevention is a method of preventing the development of cancer, which doctors may recommend to lower the risk of a first cancer or cancer recurrence. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests that doctors may recommend chemoprevention for individuals with a high risk of certain cancers, such as precancerous conditions, a family history of cancer, and lifestyle factors like smoking. The American Cancer Society (ACS) highlights that this decision may vary among medical organizations.
Research suggests that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, may lower the risk of breast cancer in high-risk individuals. Finasteride (Propecia) may also lower the risk of prostate cancer. COX-2 inhibitors may also help prevent colon and breast cancer.
The efficacy of chemoprevention may vary from case to case. A 2020 review found that SERMs may reduce the risk of some breast cancers by 30% to 60% in high-risk individuals. COX-2 selective inhibitors and NSAIDs may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancers. A daily 75 mg dose of aspirin may lower the risk of colorectal cancers by 7% to 10%. Finasteride may lower the risk of prostate cancer.
By: Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.
