December 15, 2009
Researchers say bone-strengthening drugs might help prevent breast cancer.
A new large study shows nearly one-third fewer cases of breast cancer in women who were taking these drugs --- compared to women who were not.
Scientists looked at drugs including Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva -- and their affect on post-menopausal women.
These medications are used to treat osteoporosis.
The lead researcher, at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, says more study is needed to establish whether the drugs actually prevent breast cancer.
But in earlier research, scientists found that a woman with cancer in one breast Is less likely to develop cancer in the second breast after taking Zometa, another bone-building drug.
Researchers presented the study at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.