Endocrine therapy – staff

Endocrine therapy, also known as hormone or anti-hormone therapy, is a treatment for certain types of breast cancer.

Around 80% of breast cancers rely on the hormone oestrogen to grow. Endocrine therapy works by either blocking oestrogen from reaching cancer cells or reducing the amount of oestrogen in the body.

Approximately four out of five people diagnosed with breast cancer will be offered endocrine therapy, meaning over 45,000 individuals in the UK start this treatment each year. It is highly effective, lowering the risk of cancer returning or developing by up to 50%. Supporting patients to complete their full course of treatment is therefore essential.

Endocrine Therapy Improvement Programme

This programme aims to improve support for patients taking endocrine therapy, whether for risk reduction or for treating primary or secondary breast cancer.

The aims of the programme include:

Improving access to risk-reducing endocrine therapy for those at high risk.
Educating healthcare professionals on managing side effects and supporting patients.
Providing clear, patient-friendly resources on endocrine therapy and symptom management.
Sharing patient experiences and amplifying their voices.
Offering guidance on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for individuals with a history of breast cancer.

HRT after breast cancer leaflets for patients

HRT after breast cancer leaflet

More languages to follow

Specialist support

Many patients with oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer require endocrine therapy for 5–10 years to reduce recurrence risk. However, severe side effects can lead some to stop treatment, increasing the chance of cancer returning.

Specialist support services can help patients manage these side effects, improve quality of life, and encourage treatment adherence. These services often involve multidisciplinary teams providing tailored advice and care for complex symptoms.