The study is being coordinated by the Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group and both Armidale Hospital and Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital are participating.

IBIS-II is the first trial to investigate whether the breast cancer treatment drug anastrozole can prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women at higher risk of developing the disease. Women joining the study take a tablet a day for five years. They have a bone mineral density scan and regular mammograms. They have clinical check-ups twice a year in the first year and once a year in the following four years.

Worldwide the study is seeking 10,000 women. Over 4,600 women have already joined, including 520 Australian and New Zealand women, but more volunteers are needed.

To be eligible for the study women need to be at increased risk because of a family history of breast cancer, or other risk factors such as certain non-cancerous breast conditions. Women must not have already had invasive breast cancer. For more information free call1800 640 709.