Rahul Singh, MD

Rahul Singh, MD

Rahul Singh, MD is a Medical Oncologist & Hematologist located in the Northern Virginia & Washington D.C. area.

“It is a pleasure to collaborate with Learn Look Locate. Learn Look Locate is an amazing platform that is doing great work to share knowledge regarding breast cancer which is incredibly powerful. It is an exceedingly difficult topic and disease which many women and men struggle with and to have this medium in which all people can learn and gain from is truly spectacular.”

-Rahul Singh, MD Medical Oncologist

Rahul Singh, MD is a Medical Oncologist & Hematologist located in the Northern Virginia & Washington D.C. area. Trained at George Washington University and in the Veterans Administration System, he is focused on promoting awareness and knowledge in different types of cancers and blood-related disorders. Dr. Singh is an advocate for breast cancer awareness, specifically given the many different misconceptions regarding prognosis and treatment. ⁠

Instagram: @cancer_talks

Ask Dr. Singh

Q: What are aromatase inhibitors?

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are medications that are used exclusively in post-menopausal women who have hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.  AIs should not be taken alone for breast cancer treatment in premenopausal women because it is unsafe and can increase hormone levels.

3 types of medication: Anastrozole (Arimidex), Letrozole (Femara), and Exemestane (Aromasin).

For postmenapausal women AIs have consistently been shown to improve outcomes compared to Tamoxifen (which is acceptable as well).

Overall, they are generally tolerated well.

Common Side Effects:

1. Muscle Aches

2. Joint Aches, worsening of arthritis symptoms

3. Bone loss (osteoporosis/osteopenia)

4. Sexual Dysfunction

Muscle and joint aches are the most common by far. Generally, can be controlled by exercise and anti-inflammatory medications. Alternative medicine, such as Acupuncture can also help. Bone loss is very important to monitor and a bone density scan should be done every 2 years

Uncommon Side Effects:

1. Fatigue

2. Hair Thinning

3. Forgetfulness

4. Poor sleep hygiene

Although hair thinning is less reported, it can be improved with topical drugs such as minoxidil.

It’s important to understand the effectiveness of hormonal therapy in the most common subtype of breast cancer. Remember compliance with your hormone medication is important to tackling this cancer and don’t shy away from informing your oncologist regarding these side effects or any others you may experience while on these AI medications.  Not all medications may have the same side effect as well so a switch in therapy may sometimes be all you need if you do have intolerable side effects to one.

 

Know the treatment you are on and always remember to discuss any side effects you have with your oncologist so you both can formulate the best plan forward for you.