Sean Moloughney06.10.09
Future research should evaluate the effects of antioxidant supplementation in combination with breast cancer treatment given prevalent use at high doses, according to a recent study published in Cancer.
Follow-up interviews of participants in the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project showed that nearly 87%, or 663 of 764 participants, reported taking antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene or selenium, either through individual supplements or multivitamins.
Interviews were conducted from 2002 to 2004 following the case-control study, which took place between 1996 and 1997.
Of the 663 women, 401 (60.5%) reported using antioxidants during adjuvant treatment. Nearly 39% (120 of 310 women) used antioxidants during chemotherapy; 42% (196 of 464) consumed them during radiation; and 62% (286 of 462) used them during tamoxifen therapy.
Among all antioxidant users, 69% consumed “high doses,” which was defined as more than is contained in a Centrum multivitamin.
Factors associated with high antioxidant supplement use during treatment included higher fruit and vegetable intake at diagnosis, tamoxifen, ever using herbal products and ever engaging in mind-body practices.
While study respondents tended to be younger, were predominantly white and of higher socioeconomic status than women who did not respond, researchers believe results are typical of general populations of breast cancer patients, and thus further evaluation on associated health impacts is necessary.
Follow-up interviews of participants in the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project showed that nearly 87%, or 663 of 764 participants, reported taking antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene or selenium, either through individual supplements or multivitamins.
Interviews were conducted from 2002 to 2004 following the case-control study, which took place between 1996 and 1997.
Of the 663 women, 401 (60.5%) reported using antioxidants during adjuvant treatment. Nearly 39% (120 of 310 women) used antioxidants during chemotherapy; 42% (196 of 464) consumed them during radiation; and 62% (286 of 462) used them during tamoxifen therapy.
Among all antioxidant users, 69% consumed “high doses,” which was defined as more than is contained in a Centrum multivitamin.
Factors associated with high antioxidant supplement use during treatment included higher fruit and vegetable intake at diagnosis, tamoxifen, ever using herbal products and ever engaging in mind-body practices.
While study respondents tended to be younger, were predominantly white and of higher socioeconomic status than women who did not respond, researchers believe results are typical of general populations of breast cancer patients, and thus further evaluation on associated health impacts is necessary.