A drug that reduces pre-cancerous breast cells has been sitting in U.S. pharmacies for twenty years. OB/GYNs prescribe it every day. Most oncologists have never heard of it.
Dr. Abigail Liberty, an OB/GYN at OHSU, attended a cancer prevention conference in Manchester where British researcher Dr. Sasha Howell (next week’s guest) presented findings on anti-progestins — drugs that block the progesterone receptor — showing significant reductions in pre-cancerous breast cells and changes in tissue stiffness that make it harder for dangerous cells to survive undetected.
When the room asked why we weren't doing this everywhere, someone noted: this drug doesn't exist in America. Dr. Liberty stood up and said: actually, it does. It's called Ella. It's emergency contraception. And the reason it hasn't crossed into breast cancer prevention is politics, not science.
In this episode:
- The biology of why progesterone may matter more than estrogen in breast cancer risk, the regulatory and social barriers keeping this drug from women who need it, and what to ask your doctor for today.
- The drug: Ella (ulipristal acetate, 30mg). Ask for advanced provision — a prescription before you need it.
Kicking Cancer's Ass. We never chose the pitch, but we always choose the swing.
Get more stories, strategies, and science at www.kcapodcast.com
