Metformin (brand names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza), a widely prescribed drug for diabetes 2, may reduce the risk of breast cancer in some women, recently study said.
According to the research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Metformin use in postmenopausal women with diabetes was associated with lower incidence of invasive breast cancer.
During the 12 years of follow-up, 3,273 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. The researchers compared breast cancer risk in diabetic women on different diabetes medicines to breast cancer risk in non-diabetic women.
• Diabetic women treated with other medicines for diabetes had a slightly higher than average risk of breast cancer than women without diabetes
• Diabetic women treated with metformin had a 25% lower likelihood of developing breast cancer compared to women without diabetes
Other studies have suggested that diabetes drug Metformin may help lower the risk of prostate, pancreatic, liver and oral cancer, and a reducing incidence of a variety of cancers.
Metformin Side Effects
Metformin may have a dual effect on diabetes and cancer cells via an insulin mediated mechanism. It is well tolerated for most people but also has side effects. Here are a few to be aware of:
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Nausea
• Stomach upset
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any severe symptoms!
Visit the BreastCancerCare.us Breast Cancer Prevention section and generic Femara 2.5 mg drug to understand breast cancer prevention and numerous ways to reduce your breast cancer risk.


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