New treatment guidelines for breast cancer patients in the United States could spark changes to management of those with the disease in Australia.
US cancer experts say a newer medication may be more effective for women with early breast cancer.
When women are diagnosed with localised breast cancer, the usual treatment is surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, then up to five years on a drug called Tamoxifen.
But the top cancer society in the US says doctors should now consider giving post-menopausal patients a drug called an aromatase inhibitor either straight after surgery or after a course of Tamoxifen.
John Boyages, head of the New South Wales Breast Cancer Institute, says it is an important change.
"This is a fundamental shift from the American Cancer Society," Professor Boyages said.
"It's the first time they have recommended a new class of drug as part of breast cancer treatment." …………….