Hormone therapy lowers or blocks hormones that feed certain cancers. It is mainly used for hormone-sensitive breast cancer and for prostate cancer. It is given as daily tablets or as injections at set intervals.

In breast cancer, medicines such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors are chosen according to the patient's menopausal status. In prostate cancer, injections or tablets lower testosterone. Treatment often lasts years, so visits include checks of bone health, cholesterol and side effects, and patients are encouraged to remain active and take calcium and vitamin D when advised.

How the Procedure Can Help

It lowers the chance of recurrence in early hormone-sensitive breast cancer and controls growth of prostate cancer, usually with fewer short-term effects than chemotherapy.

Risks and Considerations

Common effects include hot flushes, joint aches, mood changes, sexual problems and bone thinning. Some drugs carry specific risks, such as blood clots or uterine changes, which the doctor explains beforehand.