AstraZeneca and commitment

AstraZeneca provides information and support to breast cancer patients and their families through its research, outreach, and advocacy programs.

AstraZeneca and Commitment
Celebration Chain™
Leading Ladies of Breast Cancer
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society Navigator
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

AstraZeneca's breast cancer commitment

AstraZeneca has been at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer for over 30 years and is fully committed to cancer research and treatment. This list of resources is provided merely as a convenience. AstraZeneca takes no responsibility for the content of, or services provided by, these resources and makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and shall have no liability for any damages or injuries of any kind arising from the information provided.

AstraZeneca and its employees have been recognized both locally and nationally for their commitment to improving communities through various patient support programs and educational programs, such as the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation's help in creating and developing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition, we support American Cancer Society initiatives for breast cancer patients and their families, including Hope Lodge and ACS Navigator.

Celebration Chain

The Celebration Chain Web site, sponsored by AstraZeneca, gives you the opportunity to design a personalized animated celebration doll that represents your loved one’s unique attributes.

You can also invite friends and family members to participate. It’s like organizing an online pep rally — a surefire way to lift her spirits and let her know she’s loved.

We keep a tally of all celebration dolls and messages created for her. As her Celebration Chain grows, check back often to see what’s been added.

Find out more by visiting the Celebration Chain Web site

Leading Ladies of Breast Cancer

“Being educated on breast cancer is an absolute must.” That’s what Myra F., one of the Leading Ladies of Breast Cancer, shares when she speaks out about her breast cancer experience. Myra is one of a group of women who share the courage, determination, and even humor with which they have lived with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. In over 100 videos, these Leading Ladies of Breast Cancer speak honestly and openly about their experience.

Watch the Leading Ladies of Breast Cancer

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation is a principal founder and sponsor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), which takes place each October. The NBCAM organization is comprised of several national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working in partnership to build breast cancer awareness, share information, and provide access to screening services. NBCAM, and www.nbcam.org, are year-round resources for patients, survivors, caregivers, and the general public.

Since its beginning more than 20 years ago, NBCAM has been dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues, especially the importance of early detection. NBCAM has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. Many strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, but even more still needs to be accomplished. NBCAM is focused on encouraging women to take charge of their own breast health, by practicing regular breast self-exams, making sure to schedule an annual mammogram, adhering to prescribed treatment, and knowing the facts about recurrence.

To find out more, visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Web site

The American Cancer Society Navigator

This program provides women diagnosed with breast cancer with personal guides to help them navigate through the psychological, emotional, and financial challenges of cancer. Funded in part by AstraZeneca, support may be provided by a former hospital employee, an oncology social worker, an oncology nurse, and nurse practitioner, or a chaplain. To learn more about this program, visit ACS online or call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 and ask for a Navigator in your community.

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

The American Cancer Society offers free, temporary housing facilities to cancer patients who are undergoing treatment through 22 Hope Lodges. They also provide a home-like nurturing environment, so patients can get support from others going through the same experience. AstraZeneca is a sponsor for the Boston and Philadelphia Hope Lodges.

Find more information about the Boston Hope Lodge and the Philadelphia Hope Lodge at their Web sites.

Find a local Hope Lodge

Important Information About ARIMIDEX

ARIMIDEX is approved for adjuvant treatment (treatment following surgery with or without radiation) of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.

ARIMIDEX is approved for the initial treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has progressed following treatment with tamoxifen. Patients with hormone receptor-negative disease and patients who did not previously respond to tamoxifen therapy rarely responded to ARIMIDEX.

Important Safety Information About ARIMIDEX

Prescription ARIMIDEX is only for postmenopausal women. ARIMIDEX should not be taken if you are pregnant because it may harm your unborn child
Based on information from a study in patients with early breast cancer, women with a history of blockages in heart arteries (ischemic heart disease) who take ARIMIDEX may have a slight increase in this type of heart disease compared to similar patients who take tamoxifen
ARIMIDEX can cause bone softening/weakening (osteoporosis) increasing the chance of fractures. In a clinical study in early breast cancer, there were more fractures (including fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist) with ARIMIDEX (10%) than with tamoxifen (7%)
In a clinical study in early breast cancer, some patients taking ARIMIDEX had an increase in cholesterol. Skin reactions, allergic reactions, and changes in blood tests of liver function have also been reported
In the early breast cancer clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, pain, back pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, rash, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fractures, swelling of arms/legs, insomnia, and headache
In advanced breast cancer trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX versus tamoxifen include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, increased cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and swelling of arms and legs. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX
ARIMIDEX should not be taken with tamoxifen or estrogen-containing therapies

Please see full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This site is intended for US consumers.

ARIMIDEX is a registered trademark and Celebration Chain is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. All other registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.