Purpose/objectives: To review the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial, which is testing tamoxifen as a chemoprevention agent.
Data sources: Published articles and books; National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project protocols.
Data synthesis: Because tamoxifen has proven to be an effective hormonal agent in the treatment of all stages of breast cancer and because it has a low side effect rate, a national study is under way to determine its effects as a breast cancer preventive agent.
Conclusions: Results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study will be available at the study's completion in 1997.
Implications for nursing practice: Providing patients with education, informed consent assistance, and help in adjusting to the drug's side effects and influences on quality of life.