Endocrine therapy for
breast cancer is an effective treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, which inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells by regulating hormone levels in the body. However, there are a number of aspects that need attention during treatment to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and the health of the patient. The following is a detailed analysis of the precautions during endocrine therapy for breast cancer:
1. Drug selection and use
Drug choice: Endocrine therapy for breast cancer mainly includes aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) and estrogen receptor antagonists (such as tamoxifen). Patients should choose appropriate drugs according to their own condition, doctor’s advice and drug tolerance.
Take medicine
on time: Patients should take medicine strictly according to the time, dosage and frequency stipulated by the medical supervision, so as to avoid missing, overtaking or self-withdrawal. If you forget or have questions, you should consult your doctor in time.
II. Adverse Reactions and Treatment
Pay attention to adverse reactions: During endocrine therapy, patients may have a series of adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis and so on. Patients should pay close attention to their own reactions and communicate with doctors in time.
Treatment of adverse reactions: If the adverse reactions are mild, patients can be relieved by adjusting diet, increasing exercise and improving sleep; if the adverse reactions are serious, patients should adjust the dosage of drugs or change other drugs under the guidance of doctors.
3. Regular review and monitoring
Regular review: Patients should follow the medical supervision to the hospital for regular review, including blood routine, liver and kidney function, tumor markers, imaging examination, etc., to monitor the treatment effect and physical condition.
Treatment Adjustments: Based on the results of the review, the physician may adjust the treatment, such as changing the medication, adjusting the dosage, or adding other adjuvant therapies. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor’s adjustment.
IV. Life Conditioning and Psychological Support
Maintain good work and rest: Patients should maintain adequate sleep and regular work and rest, avoid overwork and stay up late.
Balanced diet: Patients should pay attention to diet and eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, fresh vegetables and fruits. At the same time, we should avoid eating too greasy, spicy and stimulating food.
Proper exercise: In the case of physical permission, patients should take appropriate exercise, such as walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc., to improve physical fitness and immunity.
Psychological support: Endocrine therapy for breast cancer is a long-term process, and patients may face psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, patients should maintain a positive attitude, keep in touch with family and friends, and seek psychological support and help. If necessary, they can also consult psychologists for psychological counseling and treatment.
V. Special Precautions
Pregnancy Avoidance: Patients should avoid pregnancy during endocrine therapy. Because endocrine therapy drugs may have adverse effects on the fetus, and pregnancy may lead to changes in hormone levels, affecting the therapeutic effect.
Lactation problems: For lactating patients, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding during treatment to avoid the transfer of drugs to the baby through breast milk.
To sum up, during endocrine therapy for breast cancer, attention should be paid to drug selection and use, adverse reactions and treatment, regular review and monitoring, life conditioning and psychological support, and special precautions. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor’s treatment plan, maintain good living habits and mentality, in order to improve the treatment effect and quality of life.
