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Hormone therapy for cancer

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Some cancers need hormones to grow. Hormone therapy is used to keep these cancers from getting the hormones they need. It helps slow or stop cancer growth. This treatment may also be called endocrine therapy for cancer.

Hormone therapy may be used when tests show that the cancer cells have receptors for hormones that cause the cancer to grow. Hormone therapy can include medicines or surgery. It may be part of the treatment plan for cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy may also be used to help prevent breast cancer in people who are at high risk for breast cancer.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.