Statement from Cancer Research UK on the extension of the anastrozole (Arimidex) licence says the drug is effective at preventing recurrence of breast cancer
Professor John Toy, Cancer Research UK's medical director, says: "Research is showing that anastrozole is even more effective than tamoxifen in reducing the risk of breast cancer coming back after initial treatment.
"Until now, the drug has only been available to women who can't take tamoxifen for specific health reasons, such as a high risk of blood clots.
"This extension to the licence means that more women are now eligible for anastrozole.
"However, it's important for women to discuss their treatment options with their doctor and in the meantime they should not stop taking their current treatment.
"To find out whether anastrozole can also prevent breast cancer, Cancer Research UK is currently running a trial, called Ibis-II.
"The trial is open to women across the UK who are post-menopausal and at an increased risk of the disease, for example because they have a family history of breast cancer."
