Expert Insights on Navigating Hormone Therapy after Breast Cancer
Life after breast cancer doesn’t simply return to “normal” once treatment ends. For many survivors, the next chapter includes hormone therapy—a long-term but life-saving part of breast cancer care. On a recent episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess Anderson sat down with Dr. Katherine Clifton, a board-certified medical oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine, to unpack what survivors really need to know about hormone therapy after breast cancer.
Whether you’re newly prescribed medication or years into treatment, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.
Why Hormone Therapy Matters After Breast Cancer
Hormone therapy is a critical component of treatment for people diagnosed with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. According to Dr. Clifton, these medications can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by up to 50%—a powerful statistic that underscores their importance.
However, hormone therapy is not a short-term commitment. Many survivors take these medications for five to ten years, which can feel overwhelming, especially when side effects appear early and linger.
Tamoxifen vs. Aromatase Inhibitors: What Breast Cancer Survivors Should Know
One of the most common questions breast cancer survivors ask is about the difference between tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs).
Dr. Clifton explains it simply:
- Tamoxifen is most often prescribed for premenopausal women
- Aromatase inhibitors are typically used for postmenopausal women
Both options are effective, but for certain higher-risk patients, aromatase inhibitors may offer slightly better protection against recurrence. In some cases, premenopausal women may undergo medical menopause to become eligible for AIs.
The key takeaway? There is no one-size-fits-all approach—treatment decisions should always be personalized.
Managing Hormone Therapy Side Effects
Hormone therapy can be life-saving, but it’s rarely easy. Survivors often experience side effects such as:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Joint and muscle pain
- Bone density loss
- Vaginal dryness or painful intimacy
- Emotional and mental health challenges
Dr. Clifton offers practical, evidence-based strategies to manage side-effects including:
- Staying physically active to reduce joint pain
- Monitoring bone health regularly
- Addressing intimacy concerns openly with your care team
- Advocating for symptom management rather than “just pushing through”
No survivor should suffer in silence—support and solutions do exist.
How Long Should You Stay on Hormone Therapy?
Historically, five years of hormone therapy was the standard recommendation. Today, many oncologists advise up to ten years for patients with a higher risk of recurrence. Tools like the Breast Cancer Index (BCI) are helping doctors better determine who will benefit from extended therapy, making treatment decisions more personalized than ever before.
Hope for the Future: New Breast Cancer Research
The episode also explores emerging research, including minimal residual disease testing, which could one day help oncologists detect microscopic cancer cells and fine-tune treatment plans even further. While these tools aren’t yet standard practice, they represent meaningful progress—and hope—for the future of breast cancer survivorship.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone on This Journey
Hormone therapy after breast cancer is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and hard days—but you don’t have to walk this road alone.
Whether you’re managing side effects, weighing treatment options, or simply looking for encouragement, communities like Faith Through Fire and honest conversations like this podcast episode can make all the difference.
Supported by
Faith Through Fire Survivorship Bootcamp – Helping survivors reclaim joy and purpose: faiththroughfire.org/survivorship-bootcamp
Thrivent Gateway Financial Group – Financial strategies that protect what matters most: Call 314-783-4214
Join the Conversation
If you or someone you love is navigating breast cancer, know that you are not alone. Support, community, and hope are within reach. If this resonated with you, share it with another survivor, share your thoughts in the comments, or tag @faiththroughfire on social media. We’d love to walk alongside you.