From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-561570-101474
NEW YORK (UPI) -- Many women with breast cancer take anti-oxidants
while undergoing cancer treatment, even though the consequences are
unknown, U.S. researchers learned.
The study, published online ahead of print of the July 15 issue of the
journal Cancer, found almost 70 percent of the women used high doses
of anti-oxidants, defined as higher than the amount contained in a
Centrum multivitamin. Women who took high doses also were more likely
to be using tamoxifen and to have a history of eating more fruits and
vegetables, using herbal products and engaging in mind-body practices.
Heather Greenlee of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public
Health in New York and colleagues said many breast cancer patients
believe anti-oxidant supplements will protect them from the side
effects of breast cancer treatment, help prevent recurrence of the
disease and improve their overall health.
Greenlee's study is based on 764 patients who completed a follow-up
interview and provided information on anti-oxidant supplement use.
Among these patients, 86.8 percent reported receiving chemotherapy,
radiation or hormone therapy for breast cancer.
"Given the common use of anti-oxidant supplements during breast cancer
treatment, often at high doses and in conjunction with other
complementary therapies, future research should address the effects of
anti-oxidant supplementation on breast cancer outcomes, including
whether anti-oxidants affect treatment toxicities, treatment efficacy,
cancer recurrence and survival," the study authors said in a
statement.