MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A new study could change the way breast cancer is treated over the long term.

British researchers have found that taking the drug tamoxifen for a longer period of time could have big benefits. The research suggests women should take tamoxifen for 10 years, twice as long as the current five year recommendation.

The study found breast cancer patients who took the drug longer were less likely to die from the disease and less likely to have their cancer come back.

“I think this will have an effect on practice and particular for my young patients at high risk for recurrence,” said Dr. Judy Garber of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. “I think longer tamoxifen will feel much safer for all of us.”

Researchers say even women who completed tamoxifen years ago may consider going back on it.

Tamoxifen is the top drug treatment for that group since it blocks the hormone estrogen, which can fuel tumors.