Anastrozole: Thousands to be offered drug to prevent breast cancer in England

A new drug – Anastrozole – has been licensed as a preventative option for breast cancer, meaning tens of thousands of women in England could benefit. 

The drug has been used for many years to treat the disease, but this is the first time it will be used as a preventative option. 

Recent trials show the drug can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by almost 50% in post-menopausal women at moderate or high risk of the disease.

Charities said it was “a major step forward” for women with a significant family history of the cancer.

Around 289,000 women could be eligible for the drug. The preventative drug could save the NHS £15m in treatment costs.