Letrozole is prescribed to treat early-stage breast cancer in women who have stopped menstruating (also known as postmenopausal), as well as early breast cancer in women who still menstruate and have taken tamoxifen for 5 years.
Letrozole is not prescribed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Radiation therapy and other forms of treatment are necessary for these forms of cancer.
Several different factors could put you at a higher risk of breast cancer. According to the CDC, you may be more likely to develop breast cancer if the following apply to you:
- Personal and family history: If anyone in your immediate family has had breast cancer, then you may be at higher risk and should consider regular mammography visits.
- Dense breasts: There is more connective tissue in dense breasts, increasing the likelihood that you could develop breast cancer.
- Gene mutations: Genetic mutations in genes such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 may put you at a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Aging: Most cases of breast cancer involve women above the age of 50.
- Previous radiation therapy: Women who have previously received radiation therapy in the chest before the age of 30 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later down the line.