Looking for research re: taking AI drugs vs not taking them

I think each person's risk is different in terms of cancer recurrence/metastasis as regards A1. For some it may make a significant difference, for some very little. Frankly you need to ask your oncologist about this. She or he should look at all the factors in your cancer and be able to give you a clear answer. Tell us what you find out?

Thank you. I did send her a message, and am seeing my acupuncturist/oncologist end of the month and I want to see what she says too. Both have said to take it but I just need more info

According to the NIH, taking an aromatase inhibitor reduces your risk for recurrence by about 53%. If your breast cancer has a higher percentage of estrogen-driven elements, it is very beneficial.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6487387/

That was from 2018. But that you for your answer

I did see someone post the predict algorithm. I forgot about that. I need to talk to oncologist

You can run Predict calc yourself here https://breast.predict.cam/ altho keep in mind this is just 1 calculator and there are other models, I dont think anyone (including the docs) really know which is the most accurate. The benefits of an AI are greater than tamoxifen for lobular than ductal (in general) from what I was told. However, as mentioned above, it really comes down to a solid discussion with your onco. If your onco has not yet directly told you the percent benefit in survival you would get with an AI, then they need to do that. If they refuse, get a new onco. They should be open to an honest discussion about risk/benefits of the cancer recurrence vs other disease and life expectancy so you can make the best decision for your situation.

I think the 53% of reduction, to which this article refers, is prevention in women who are at risk for developing breast due to genetic factors or family history, for example, not for women who already have breast cancer. I have read that the risk reduction benefit from taking an aromatase inhibitor (AI) for 5 - 10 years after being diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer and after having had surgery and possibly radiation is 40% to 60%.
I was told that my chance of recurrence was 12% without taking an AI.
If I took an AI for at least 5 years, my risk would be between 7.2% and 4.8%. I had MANY side effects from anastrozole, the worst being severe depression and an overall poor quality of life. I was encouraged to try exemestane, but I declined. The hope of potentially reducing my risk of recurrence by less than 5%, was not worth feeling so awful for 5 -10 years, so I decided to stop taking anastrozole after 2 1/2 months. That was 4 years ago. I will be 75 in May. So far, I am doing well. I walk every day and eat a good diet.
I am not suggesting that anyone stop taking these drugs. It's a difficult, personal decision. Just know that it is your decision to make based on your situation and how you feel. I wish you all well. Try to be at peace with whatever decision you make. Sending hugs.

Thank you for your input. My tumor was too small for an Onco test. So percentages not available. Glad you are at peace with your decision. Hugs!

Thank you for your information. I received a lumpectomy in November, 2024, for invasive malignant hormone + breast cancer. The cancer was caught early, and I feel good at the moment. I begin 15 rounds of radiation in a week or so. My oncologist is prescribing anastrozole beginning in March, after radiation. The side effects scare me, to be honest. I already have joint pain due to osteoarthritis. I have two knee replacements. I am 73 years old, and doing pretty well, but I do not want any additional health issues as side effects. I am researching the benefits/ risks of AI therapy. I am leaning towards avoiding the medication, and using a healthy diet and exercise, as well as meditation to keep me healthy. I understand there is a slightly increased risk of reoccurrence of cancer, however I think the risk is worth the absence of side effects. I am still researching before I talk to my oncologist- the information on this site is very helpful. Thank you.

Agree!