What type of cancer is Tamoxifen primarily used to treat?

Tamoxifen is primarily used to treat breast cancer, particularly hormone receptor-positive types of the disease. This medication functions as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means it can either activate or inhibit estrogen receptors in various tissues. In the case of breast cancer, Tamoxifen blocks the effects of estrogen on breast tissue, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells that need estrogen to proliferate.

The effectiveness of Tamoxifen in treating breast cancer is well-established, making it a common part of treatment regimens for both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Its use extends to both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, as it significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and can be employed as a preventive option in women at high risk of developing breast cancer.

In contrast, medications like Tamoxifen are not typically indicated for skin cancer, lung cancer, or prostate cancer, as these types of cancer often require different treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy specific to their respective biology.