My eligibility didn't surprise me. Back in February when I first read through the risk factors for developing breast cancer, I immediately knew that I was high risk.
So I applied and, sure enough, I qualified for STAR, a clinical trial comparing head-to-head the effectiveness of two drugs in preventing breast cancer. STAR (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene) is seeking 22,000 women across the country who are high risk for breast cancer.
My involvement began when, as a part of my daily work routine, I read a press release about the STAR research project; it also listed breast cancer risk factors.
The first factor: "A family history of breast cancer, especially your mother, sister(s), or daughter(s)." Initially I read the release in leisurely fashion, unconcerned because my immediate family has been fortunate. Neither my mother Faye at age 73, my sister Pam, 46, or I have developed breast cancer. Granted, my wonderful Aunt Noma is a breast cancer survivor, but health care professionals consider an aunt a secondary, not a primary, risk factor.
The second struck closer to home. "Age -- in general, the older you are, the greater your risk" for developing breast cancer. That's a legacy that all mature women share and why it's extremely important that we baby boomers have annual mammograms.
Of the next five risk factors which the article listed, I had three, including "Having your first child after age 30," and two others dealing with my personal health history including two benign breast biopsies.
So I made that telephone call to the person listed in the press release. She sent paperwork that I returned and, as anticipated, I was determined to be STAR-eligible, a dubious distinction at best. Next came an hour-long interview where I learned more about the program, including its possible benefits and risks. I was also astounded that despite ongoing recruitment, only four area women are currently participating in STAR.
I'm convinced this type of research is extremely important. Evidence from another large clinical trial determined that one of two drugs I may be testing, tamoxifen, helps reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women who are at increased risk for developing the disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tamoxifen for such use.
The second drug, raloxifene, has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of osteoporosis in menopausal women. Researchers think that raloxifene may also reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and have fewer side effects than tamoxifen. The STAR study is to prove or disprove that.
I began taking two pills daily for the next five years. I will be monitored closely with breast exams every six months and annual blood tests. One of my pills is a real drug, either tamoxifen or raloxifene, and the other a placebo that looks like the actual drug. I do not know which I am taking.
My preparation included visits to my family physician, and my gynecologist. They both encouraged my participation in STAR, saying that these types of research projects are another step toward prevention and cure.
My commitment to STAR is, I'll admit, somewhat selfish. If my participation helps some of the people I love most -- my marvelous mother, my beautiful daughters, and wonderful friends -- I have also done something for myself.
J. Cecilia Fallert is a 53-year-old community newspaper editor living in Missouri. She can be reached at jcfall@midwest.net.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent medical advice or the views of ThirdAge Media.
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One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The ThirdAge We Care Campaign tells how you can help make a difference.
