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Tamoxifen effectiveness varies by patient
Editor's note: CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers medical questions submitted by e-mail on "Your Health," which airs at 2:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays. Questions and answers are posted on CNN.com after the show. Q: What is the latest information on tamoxifen? -- Marylou from Staten Island A: Tamoxifen is primarily given to women to fight existing breast cancer -- both in early stage and metastatic disease. Whether and how much a tumor responds to tamoxifen -- and whether it can prevent cancer and in exactly whom -- is still being researched. Oncologists however do know that its effectiveness is linked to whether or not that tumor is estrogen sensitive. Another factor affecting success with tamoxifen is whether the patient is pre or post-menopausal. Studies on tamoxifen are ongoing and new results are published regularly. For example, preliminary results from a European study found tamoxifen reduces breast cancer risk in high-risk pre-menopausal women. To find out whether it is right for you, talk to your doctor. Q: What is the best source of protein for a vegetarian? -- Pramilla A: There are many benefits to a vegetarian diet, and a few pitfalls as well. You need to make sure you get enough of the right nutrients. Protein is made of building blocks called amino acids. The human body can manufacture some amino acids, but nine of them -- called the essential amino acids -- are only obtained from food. And while animal sources of protein contain all the essential amino acids, plant foods contain the essential amino acids in varying amounts. The best sources of protein will depend on what kind of a vegetarian we're talking about. So-called semi-vegetarians can get protein from a wide range of foods, including fish and chicken. Lacto-ovo vegetarians, who don't eat any meat, can get protein from milk, milk products like yogurt, and eggs. Even vegans or total vegetarians, who don't eat any type of animal or animal product, can get protein from sources like legumes, nuts and seeds. "Ask Dr. Gupta" is not intended to address specific questions concerning individual cases. CNN does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or provide medical advice, and nothing contained in the responses of CNN through its correspondents is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment, or have any questions regarding a medical condition.
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