The day has come when scientists are working on ways to prevent cancer from ever developing. It involves looking for certain genes in people at risk for various cancers.

Here’s an intriguing thought. What if we could reprogram cancer so it responds to treatment? That’s exactly what breast cancer experts are exploring.

Not all women respond to a common breast cancer drug called tamoxifen . Not to worry–these women can now be identified and switched to another medication before the disease turns deadly.

Younger women are more prone to what’s known as triple-negative breast cancer. There aren’t any good treatments for this very bad cancer. Delaying childbirth and breastfeeding, though, may be ways to ward it off.

For years, tamoxifen has been prescribed for women who’ve been treated for breast cancer. Extending the time women take the drug may extend lives.