Follow-up of Patients Receiving Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitor Treatment for Breast Cancer in Terms of Gynecological Diseases

Every woman should have a gynecological examination every 6 months for ovarian, tube, uterine or uterine wall, cervix and vulva - vagina cancers. Since genital organ tumors can also develop as a second tumor in women with breast tumors, gynecological check-ups are important.

• Since there is a 10-13% genetic predisposition between breast cancer and ovarian cancers, close monitoring of the ovaries is essential.
• In breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen treatment, careful monitoring of the endometrium is necessary, as these drugs facilitate the formation of uterine lining cancer. Because tamoxifen has an anti-estrogen effect in the breast, on the contrary, it has an estrogenic effect on the uterine lining.
• Both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors aggravate menopausal symptoms. In this respect, patients should be evaluated during gynecological examinations.
• Tamoxifen can increase the risk of thrombosis in blood vessels.
• Tamoxifen strengthens bone tissue, while aromatase inhibitors weaken bone tissue.

While aiming to prevent cancer or recurrence in patients receiving tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer, it is essential to take into consideration many important aspects such as improving the patient's quality of life, ensuring the continuation of sexual life, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.