Treatment FAQ

what vitamin pill are good after breast cancer treatment

by Dr. Freida Heaney V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Large doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) have been proposed as treatments or cures for various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Vitamin C

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and l-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant.

is a micronutrient vital to human health.

A recent study found that breast cancer patients who took antioxidants during chemotherapy had a higher risk of breast cancer coming back. Antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and Coenzyme Q10.Jan 14, 2021

Full Answer

What vitamins can I take after breast cancer treatment?

Vitamins and supplements during and after breast cancer treatment If you’re finding it difficult to get essential nutrients or vitamins from your diet alone during or after treatment, your GP may prescribe a dietary supplement. For example, if your bone health has been affected they may prescribe a calcium or vitamin D supplement.

Can herbal supplements help prevent breast cancer?

So far, there’s no proof that any vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement can treat breast cancer or prevent it from coming back. “To date, there are no studies which demonstrate that certain supplements will lower your risk of recurrence,” Johnson says.

Can antioxidant-vitamins prevent breast cancer?

Patients who reported taking any antioxidant-vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids and Coenyzme Q10 - were 41 percent more likely to have their breast cancer return when they took the supplements both before and during chemotherapy treatment.

Do supplements increase the risk of breast cancer relapse?

and a larger chance of relapse than those who don't. Last month a study of over 1,000 people with breast cancer found some worrying evidence that certain nutritional supplements could reduce the chance of survival from the disease and increase the chance that the cancer would recur after treatment. The main findings were:

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Should breast cancer survivors take vitamins?

Researchers say vitamins and other supplements taken during breast cancer treatment can cause a higher risk of recurrence. Experts note that chemotherapy and radiation are designed to cause damage to cancer cells, while supplements' main job is to repair cell damage.

What vitamins should cancer survivors take?

Supplements for Cancer Survivors 50% took calcium, vitamin D, or both. 41% took antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, and combinations. 29% took fish oil or fatty acid supplements. 19% took glucosamine, chondroitin, and combinations.

Can cancer survivors take vitamins?

Survivors should try to get the nutrients they need through food, not supplements. Use dietary supplements only when your doctor tells you to take them because of a deficiency of a certain nutrient.

What supplements should breast cancer patients avoid?

"Patients using any antioxidant before and during chemotherapy had an increased risk of the breast cancer returning and, to a lesser degree, had an increased risk of death. Vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid use was also associated with poorer outcomes."

Can breast cancer patients take multivitamins?

A study suggests that taking a multivitamin with minerals may benefit postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer.

When are you considered cancer free after breast cancer?

The cancer may come back to the same place as the original primary tumor or to another place in the body. If you remain in complete remission for five years or more, some doctors may say that you are cured, or cancer-free.

Is Vitamin D3 good for breast cancer?

But a recent study indicates vitamin D—specifically, vitamin D3—can even help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common non-skin type of cancer in women, and, the researchers of the study say, there has been progress in detecting and treating the disease.

Can vitamin b12 cause breast cancer?

Results: Plasma concentrations of folate, PLP, and vitamin B-12 were not associated with overall risk of breast cancer.

What foods to avoid if you have estrogen positive breast cancer?

What foods to avoid if you have estrogen-positive breast cancer?Deep-fried foods.Margarine.Non-dairy creamers.Packaged cookies and crackers.Cake mixes.Pies.Pastries.Processed snacks.

Which supplement is best for breast cancer?

Vitamin D According to BreastCancer.org, research suggests that certain cancers such as breast cancer, can have a higher risk of occurring when the body has low levels of vitamin D. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 15 mcg.

What vitamins are good for breast health?

Research also suggests that high vitamin D levels are linked to better breast cancer survival rates. The best source of vitamin D is from the sun, so women who don't get a lot of daily sun exposure can be deficient in vitamin D.

Can breast cancer patients take vitamin C?

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between dietary vitamin C intake and the recurrence or mortality of breast cancer. For instance, Greenlee et al. reported that frequent use of vitamin C supplements is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence20.

First, Talk to Your Doctor

Before you take any vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement, talk to your doctor. Research is limited on supplements and studies show mixed results on the safety of supplements and breast cancer.

Vitamins and Minerals in Your Diet

Most doctors and dieticians recommend following a healthy diet after breast cancer treatment.

Vitamins and Minerals in Supplements

Your doctor may recommend certain vitamins and supplements to help you stay healthy after treatment.

Supplements to Avoid

Some supplements can do more harm than good. They may affect the way your prescription medicine, chemotherapy, and radiation work.

Can Supplements Prevent Breast Cancer From Coming Back?

So far, there’s no proof that any vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement can treat breast cancer or prevent it from coming back.

Keep This in Mind

Remember, dietary supplements aren’t regulated in the United States. Just because they’re on the shelf doesn’t mean they’re good for you. Unlike medication, supplements don’t have to be proven safe or effective. What they claim on the label isn’t necessarily true.

Do antioxidants help with cancer?

In theory, since oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of many cancers, antioxidants might reduce cancer risk.

Can you take multivitamins during radiation?

In addition, note that taking high-dose multivitamins during radiation treatment or chemotherapy could potentially serve to protect cancer cells from the treatments and we would not recommend it. Below are links to recent studies on multivitamins. For a more complete list of studies, please click on multivitamins.

Does taking multivitamins increase breast cancer risk?

Taking multivitamins was found to be associated with a 19% increased risk of breast cancer compared to no multivitamin use. The association between breast cancer risk and multivitamin use did not differ significantly by hormone receptor status of the cancer.

Does multivitamin cause breast cancer?

One large meta-analysis of previous studies concluded that multivitamin use is likely not associated with a significant increased or decreased risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, a 2010 Swedish prospective study reported that multivitamin use was associated with increased risk of breast cancer.

Does taking multivitamins reduce cardiovascular disease?

To investigate this question, we first examined the premise that taking multivitamins promotes good health in the general population. In fact, based on the available evidence, multivitamin use does not appear to reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, or premature death (from any cause): ...

Do women with breast cancer take multivitamins?

A major 2013 U.S. study of participants in the Women’s Health Initiative reported that postmenopausal women with invasive breast cancer who took multivitamins with minerals had a lower risk of breast cancer-specific death than those who did not.

Is multivitamin used after breast cancer diagnosis?

Multivitamin use both before and after diagnosis was assessed via mailed questionnaire. Breast cancer outcomes were determined yearly. Compared to never use, multivitamin use after diagnosis was not associated with breast cancer outcome.

What are the nutrients that women need to lose weight?

Other nutrients of concern include calcium, vitamin K, and omega-3 and omega-9 fats. Calcium is critical for all women, but particularly for women who are at higher than average risk for bone loss. This includes women with a history of breast cancer.

What is the diagnosis of breast cancer?

diagnosis. The process of identifying a disease, such as breast cancer, from its signs and symptoms. diagnosis with his or her own nutritional background and dietary habits, and not all women will have the same treatment plan. However, there are some important nutrients that may need your attention.

What is aromatase inhibitor?

Aromatase inhibitors are used as a type of hormone therapy for postmenopausal women who have hormone-dependent breast cancer. aromatase inhibitor -related pain. Ask your doctor for a vitamin D blood test, and if your level is low, you will need to take vitamin D supplements. You can work with your doctor or.

Do breast cancer survivors need vitamin D?

Also of concern is that breast cancer survivors often have low levels of vitamin D, and may need supplements to address this potential deficiency. Vitamin D occurs naturally in fatty fish, but most people eat that just a few times per month.

Is it safe to take B12 supplements?

Vitamin B12 is considered safe, even when taken at doses of up to 10 times the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). But if you are not deficient in vitamin B12, taking extra will not improve your metabolism. There aren’t any vitamins or minerals that will help speed up metabolism, unless you have a nutrient deficiency. For most of us, nutrient deficiencies aren’t all that common.

Can breast cancer come back?

The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) breast tumor or to another place in the body. recurrence. In September, Living Beyond Breast Cancer expert Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD , answered your questions about how certain vitamins and supplements could increase your sense of well-being.

Is vitamin D deficiency a problem for breast cancer patients?

Researchers have documented that as many as 80 percent of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer may be vitamin D deficient or insufficient. This is important to address, because studies suggest low vitamin D levels may be linked with more side effects during treatment, and worse outcomes for women after treatment.

Preparing For Lymph Node Removal

Your surgeon may recommend removing lymph nodes near your armpit to see whether cancer has spread beyond the breast. Surgery to remove a few lymph nodes is often recommended for early-stage breast cancer.

Common Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Drugs

As of 2019, there are just two immunotherapy medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in breast cancer. They are:

What Is Hormone Receptor

Breast cancer tumors that are hormone receptor-positive need the hormones estrogen or progesterone to grow. Approximately 75% of breast cancers are hormone-positive in post-menopausal patients. Your healthcare provider will perform a biopsy and laboratory testing to determine the cancer type and most effective treatment.

When You Might Have Targeted Treatment

Targeted cancer drugs are used in different situations to treat breast cancer. You might have this treatment :

Will The Nhs Fund An Unlicensed Medicine

It’s possible for your doctor to prescribe a medicine outside the uses it’s licensed for if they’re willing to take personal responsibility for this ‘off-licence’ use of treatment.

How Long You Should Take It

Based on clear evidence from two large randomized phase III clinical studies , a 10-year rather than a 5-year adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen is associated with a smaller risk of recurrence and a reduction in breast cancer mortality.

Targeted Therapy Vs Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that works by killing fast-growing cells in your body to help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be given as an oral medication or administered through an IV.

What supplements can help with breast cancer?

Last month a study of over 1,000 people with breast cancer found some worrying evidence that certain nutritional supplements could reduce the chance of survival from the disease and increase the chance that the cancer would recur after treatment. The main findings were: 1 Patients who reported taking any antioxidant - vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids and Coenyzme Q10 - were 41 percent more likely to have their breast cancer return when they took the supplements both before and during chemotherapy treatment 2 Patients had a similar, but weaker, increased risk of death when taking those antioxidants 3 Patients taking vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements were at significantly greater risk of breast cancer recurrence and death 4 Patients taking multivitamins showed no signs of poorer or better outcomes after chemotherapy

Can breast cancer recur after treatment?

and a larger chance of relapse than those who don't. Getty. Last month a study of over 1,000 people with breast cancer found some worrying evidence that certain nutritional supplements could reduce the chance of survival from the disease and increase the chance that the cancer would recur after treatment. The main findings were:

Does chemotherapy increase the risk of breast cancer?

The research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and led by scientists at the SWOG cancer research institute. “Patients using any antioxidant before and during chemotherapy had an increased risk of their breast cancer returning and, to a lesser degree, had an increased risk of death.

Does multivitamin help with cognitive decline?

This analysis of almost half a million people by Johns Hopkins researchers entitled “ Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, ” found that multivitamin use did not decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease or help with cognitive decline.

Do vitamin B12 and iron cause cancer?

Patients had a similar, but weaker, increased risk of death when taking those antioxidants. Patients taking vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements were at significantly greater risk of breast cancer recurrence and death. Patients taking multivitamins showed no signs of poorer or better outcomes after chemotherapy.

How long did the study of vitamin A and C follow breast cancer patients?

The observational study involved more than 1,100 high-risk, early stage breast cancer patients who were followed for a median of 6 years. The researchers said they found: Patients who took antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E as well as carotenoids and coenzyme Q10, both before and during chemotherapy were more likely to have a recurrence.

Is it bad to take supplements?

“If you’re under the care of a physician, taking some supplementation is not necessarily bad. If you have a special condition that requires it, that’s fine.

Can breast cancer be treated with vitamins?

Researchers say vitamins and other supplements taken during breast cancer treatment can cause a higher risk of recurrence. Experts note that chemotherapy and radiation are designed to cause damage to cancer cells, while supplements’ main job is to repair cell damage. They recommend that people undergoing breast cancer treatment get their nutrients ...

Does B12 affect chemotherapy?

Multivitamins didn’t appear to affect outcomes after chemotherapy. Although results aren’t definitive, the study authors conclude that results are consistent with recommendations of caution among people with cancer.

Is there a problem with multivitamins?

She’s less concerned about multivitamins. “Data shows there aren’t issues with multivitamins because they’re not high dose. Other studies on multivitamins show no benefits or negatives to taking them,” Fancher said. Fancher points out that most people being treated for cancer have multiple doctors.

Can antioxidants interfere with cancer treatment?

But some supplements, particularly antioxidants, may interfere with cancer treatment.

Can breast cancer patients take supplements?

Breast Cancer Patients Advised Not to Use Supplements During Treatment. Experts say vitamins and other supplements can lessen the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. ALTO IMAGES/Stocksy. Researchers say vitamins and other supplements taken during breast cancer treatment can cause a higher risk of recurrence.

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