13 June, 2005 19:28 GMT
In one of the first worldwide prevention trials, researchers are investigating whether the drug anastrozole, already used to treat breast cancer, may also be able to prevent it.
Many women would consider the drastic option of having both breasts removed in a bid to avoid cancer. A survey of more than 1,500 women around the world found that one in five (22%) would think about having a double mastectomy if they were told they faced a high risk of the disease, rising to one in three (31%) of UK women.
The study by Cancer Research UK came as scientists launched a new trial to see if a drug used to treat breast cancer could also be effective as a preventative measure.
The research team hope to recruit thousands of women to take part in the trial, which will also involve hospitals in the UK.
Worldwide Prevention Trial
The survey, which included almost 250 women in the UK, found that almost half (46%) of those questioned were concerned about developing breast cancer.
About 41,000 women in the UK a r e diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with around 80% post-menopausal.
In one of the first worldwide prevention trials -- called IBIS-II -- researchers are investigating whether the drug anastrozole, already used to treat breast cancer, may also be able to prevent it.
The trial involves post-menopausal, high risk women taking a once-a-day pill of anastrozole.
The female hormone estrogen is the most important cause of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Anastrozole stops estrogen being produced.
Professor Jack Cuzick, Cancer Research UK's lead researcher on the trial, said: "With over 30,000 postmenopausal women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, it's vital that we look for effective ways of preventing the disease."
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