I have completed 10 years of Letrozole for ER+ breast cancer and did not suffer side-effects. Would I benefit from continuing taking letrozole if that is possible? I’m 66 years old and in good health but am overweight therefore I do need to lose about 18 pounds. I walk a lot and do weight training. I’d like to be able to enjoy 5 units of alcohol weekly.
Dear Sam,
Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.
I understand after 10 years of Letrozole, you are coming to the end of your treatment for ER positive breast cancer. It is good to hear you never had many side effects.
It is understandable to wonder if continuation of the treatment would be a possibility. People being treated for primary breast cancer will usually take letrozole for five to ten years.
As we are not part of the NHS, we do not have access to medical records and cannot comment on individual treatment plans. However, your oncologist will tell you when to stop it and you can discuss this with them and ask any questions you have about it.
‘Some people worry about stopping hormone therapy, but it will continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you finish your treatment. This is known as the carryover effect and may last for 5 years or longer.’
You ask about drinking alcohol, Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing some cancers and while there is no safe level for drinking alcohol, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and sticking to the following guidelines mentioned here might give you enough information to make an informed life style choice. We would also suggest you discuss this with your GP or breast care team for advice.
Coming to the end of treatment can be an emotional time. Penny Brohn offer a range of resources and support, including Adjusting to life after cancer treatment, Support with nutrition and diet and Managing menopause with cancer .
You mentioned you would like to lose some weight, and you keep fit with walking and weight training.
We know that a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise helps us keep to a healthy weight. Our booklet about physical activity and cancer, and the information about being physically active after treatment, might be useful for you, as well as these tips to keeping a healthy weight.
I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.
Best wishes and take care
Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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