From what I understand, research has shown that AI's (and tamoxifen to a bit lesser degree) provide three benefits: they reduce the risk of a local recurrence by about 50%, reduce the risk of a distant (metastatic) recurrence by about 35-40%, and reduce the risk of a new primary breast cancer by about 50%. While it is often said that lumpectomy followed by radiation is at least as effective as mastectomy in treating breast cancer, those of us who have had a lumpectomy have a greater risk for local recurrence and new primaries because we still have our breasts. Risk, generally, is estimated by evaluating tumor size and grade, node involvement, and age. Genetics and family history are also contributing factors. As you can see, there is no treatment plan that can eliminate risk. You can only attempt to reduce it.

Well as a high risk patient… I do believe I am proof that they worked for me. I am 10 years out.
I really in my heart believe they have kept me healthy and alive… I did tamoxifen 5 years, and I am in Arimidex going into my 5th year. I have had mild bone pain just these past few months… I can deal with it!
I am actually nervous to go off. It’s a fact that estrogen breast cancers have a high rate of recurrence later in years… 10 15,20 years later! If I could stay on this meds I would!
My opinion…I love my oncologist and trust her 100%! Together we are fighting to keep me alive♥️