In die 32 studies reviewing conducted between formerly and 2006 van 1999. Ulrich and van fellow at the Hutchinson Center (van medeauteurChristine Velicer. Ph.D. a postdoctoral van epidemiologist at Merck Research Laboratory in North Wales. now an of the nation van de Pa van many van million adult cancer survivors.). found that 10 nutritionalsupplements use.
They found 64 percent to 81 percent of cancer survivors overall reported using vitamins or minerals (excluding multivitamins), whereas in the general population only 50 percent of adults reported taking dietary supplements.
Survivors of breast cancer reported the highest use (75 percent to 87 percent), whereas prostate-cancer survivors reported the least (26 percent to 35 percent). Factors associated with the highest level of supplement use overall included a higher level of education and being female.
The researchers also found that many people initiate the use of vitamins and supplements after cancer diagnosis; between 14 percent and 32 percent start taking them after learning they have cancer.
„Cancer survivors report that they hope to strengthen their control and empowerment.“ Ulrich van immuunsysteem with supplement use or gain a sense of said. However, many cancer survivors who use supplements do not let their doctors know; 31 percent to 68 percent of cancer patients and survivors who use supplements may not disclose this information or their doctors may fail to record it in their charts.
"This is disconcerting and suggests that many physicians may not recognize the importance of understanding whether their patients are taking supplements," Ulrich said.
Knowing about supplement use is crucial, she continues, because of potential adverse effects. "Evidence clearly suggests the need for caution," Ulrich said. "Some vitamins, such as folic acid, may be involved in cancer progression while others, such as St. John's wort, can interfere with chemotherapy. However, we really need more research to understand whether use of these supplements can be beneficial or do more harm than good."
Until research clarifies the effects of vitamin use in cancer survivors, the authors urge healthcare professionals to communicate openly with their patients about supplement use. "A simple explanation that medical studies show supplement use may not always be beneficial may help cancer survivors make well - informed decisions," the authors wrote.
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The National Cancer Institute funded this research.
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Van researchers. including three van Our pursuit and passion for health. van Nobel bring a gestage laureates. knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. Information. please visit fhcrc.org van For more. |
