Hi Gemdan and thank you for your post,

As you are probably aware, Anastrozole is usually used to treat women with breast cancer who have gone through menopause.  Recently following the results of a study the license for anastrozole has been extended to help prevent breast cancer in women with a significant family history of breast cancer. For example, if there is a history of two or more close relatives with a history of breast cancer.

Although there is no specific optimum age that is known, it is just for women who have gone through menopause. If you are taking it because of family history it is usually recommended that you take it for five years.

If you are having concerns about taking the Anastrozole it might be worth speaking with your GP again and perhaps asking if you could have a referral to a breast cancer specialist or a genetics clinic to get your risk of breast cancer assessed.

I hope this and the links above are helpful. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Yours sincerely,

Jemma