Hundreds of thousands of individuals in England to be offered medication as a preventive measure against breast cancer

Anastrozole, a drug commonly used to treat breast cancer, has now been licensed in England as a preventative option. Recent trials show that the drug can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by almost 50% in post-menopausal women at increased risk. This means that approximately 289,000 women at moderate or high risk of breast cancer could benefit from this drug. If one in four of these women come forward, it could potentially prevent 2,000 cases of breast cancer in England, saving the NHS £15 million in treatment costs. Women concerned about breast cancer can consult their GP, who can refer them to a specialist for a comprehensive risk assessment taking into account family history. Anastrozole is off-patent, which allows multiple companies to produce it at a low cost. First recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in 2017, Anastrozole's use as a preventative option is now licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as part of NHS England's medicines-repurposing program. One patient, Lesley-Ann Woodhams, expressed her relief in completing a five-year course of Anastrozole, stating that it gave her peace of mind and a continued future to look forward to. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in England, with over 47,000 people diagnosed each year. Health Minister Will Quince welcomed the approval of Anastrozole as a preventative measure for breast cancer and highlighted the positive effects it has already shown in treating the disease. Anastrozole works by blocking an enzyme called aromatase to reduce the hormone estrogen. Patients experiencing side effects should consult their doctor or pharmacist.