Staying on your hormonal treatment plan

For early breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive, hormonal treatment may help reduce your risk of breast cancer coming back. For advanced breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive, hormonal treatment may help slow the growth and spread of the cancer. The effectiveness of any medication has been tested and proven at a specific dose and dosing schedule. It is important to remember to take your hormonal treatment as prescribed by your doctor. That means taking the correct amount of your medicine as often as prescribed for as long as prescribed.

If you experience side effects while taking your hormonal treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about them as soon as you can. He or she may be able to help you manage the side effects.

Here are some ways to help you remember to take your hormonal treatment:

• Take it at the same time every day.
• Take it along with a meal or other daily event, like brushing your teeth.
• Use special pillboxes that help you keep track, like the ones divided into days of the week, which you can find at any pharmacy.
• Ask people who are close to you to help by reminding you.
• Keep a "medicine calendar" near your medicine and make a note every time you take your dose.