Tamoxifen might have long-term risks

August 25, 2009 Hormone therapy using tamoxifen is one of the most common treatments for breast cancer. But new research is raising concerns about the long-term use of this drug.

A new study finds the drug also increased the risk of getting a more aggressive cancer in the healthy breast by more than four times. Experts aren't sure why.

But researchers reporting in the Journal cancer research are quick to point out the benefits of tamoxifen far outweigh the risks. They say people should not panic if they are taking this drug because tamoxifen saves lives and it has helped a huge number of women.