How is NCI supporting efforts to find better ways to prevent and treat breast cancer?
NCI conducts and supports ongoing breast cancer research that ranges from basic science through the full spectrum of clinical care. • Basic research—Researchers are trying to identify the causes of breast cancer, including the role of gene changes or variations in addition to changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Scientists are also investigating how hormonal, dietary, and environmental factors might contribute to the development of breast cancer. • Prevention—As a result of NCI-supported research, the drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene have been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease. Tamoxifen can be used by both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, whereas raloxifene is appropriate for postmenopausal women only. Currently, researchers are looking for additional ways to prevent breast cancer in women who are at increased risk. They are studying other preventive agents and whether changes in diet, physical activity, nutrit
