Cancer Survivors Heavy Supplement Users
02/29/2008
SEATTLE— Cancer survivors are heavy users of vitamin and mineral dietary supplements, according to a new research review out of the FredHutchinsonCancerResearchCenter, Seattle (J Clin Oncol. 2008 Feb 1;26(4):665-73). Researchers conducted a systematic summary of studies published between 1999 and 2006 (n=32) addressing vitamin and mineral supplement use among U.S. cancer patients and survivors. In studies combining cancer sites, between 64 and 81 percent of survivors reported using any supplements, and 26 to 77 percent any multivitamins. Additionally, between 14 and 32 percent of survivors indicated they started using supplements after diagnosis, with usage differing by cancer site. Breast cancer survivors showed the highest use, and prostate cancer survivors the lowest. Of more concern to the authors was the fact that between one-third and two-thirds of supplement users discussed the information with their physicians.
They advised more research is necessary to examine the association between cancer treatment, recurrence and survival and the use of dietary supplements. In a statement, senior author Cornelia Ulrich, Ph.D., said: “Can vitamin and herbal supplements reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatment, decrease the risk of cancer recurrence or improve a patient’s chances of survival? … We really need more research to understand whether use of these supplements can be beneficial or do more harm than good.”
