A major study has found a new option for preventing breast cancer in millions of at higher than usual risk of breast cancer women.  Pfizer Inc.’s Aromasin more than halves the risk of breast cancer development, without any of the side effects seen in other prevention drugs.

This was the first study to test the new hormone-blocking pills known as aromatase inhibitors, sold in generic forms as Arimidex, Femara and Aromasin, in healthy women.  These drugs arte being used for preventing the recurrences in breast cancer patients past menopause, while doctors have long suspected them of preventing initial cases, too.

Women at average risk of breast cancer are not advised prevention drugs, with those at higher risk because of gene mutations already have tamoxifen and raloxifene for prevention, but which drugs are unpopular carrying small risks of uterine cancer, blood clots, including other problems.

Dr. Allen Lichter, CEO of the American Society of Clinical Oncology said this third breast cancer prevention drug was much safer.

The prevention study involved 4,560 women from the US, Canada, Spain and France, with at least one risk factor i.e. being 60 plus, having a prior breast abnormality or pre-invasive cancer.

Given daily doses of exemestane sold as Aromasin or placebos, there were 11 cases of invasive breast cancer among those taking the drug, compared to 32 among those taking placebos, after three years.  This means a 65% reduction in risk for those taking the drug, which was benefit enough to offer the drug to all those participating in the study.

Serious side effects like broken bones, high cholesterol and heart problems were alike in both groups.

Although, some aromatase inhibitors are available in their generic form, brand name ones cost $340 to $420 a month.  USA’s patent for Aromasin expired April and will expire in July in Europe and Japan.