Dietary Supplements in Cancer Care: What You Need to Know
Cancer patients often seek health supplements as an adjunct to improve their health or reduce side effects.
However, health supplements cannot replace regular treatment, and some ingredients still lack support from large-scale clinical trials. Before making a choice, patients should understand the scientific evidence and discuss it with their medical team.
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Many cancer patients consider supplements to boost immunity or reduce side effects. However, supplements cannot replace standard treatments, and many lack strong clinical evidence. Patients should review the science and consult their medical team before use.
Understanding the Role of Supplements in Cancer
Many cancer patients, whether during treatment or recovery, explore dietary supplements hoping to strengthen immunity, reduce side effects, or prevent recurrence. Common products include vitamins, minerals, fish oil, curcumin, mushroom polysaccharides, resveratrol, fucoidan, and others.
However, these products are often marketed with exaggerated claims, sometimes misleading patients into believing they can “cure cancer.” In Hong Kong and internationally, health regulations clearly prohibit supplements from claiming to treat or cure cancer.
The Importance of Scientific Evidence
Unlike cancer drugs that undergo rigorous Phase III clinical trials, most supplements are only tested in cell or animal studies. While some compounds show potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or immune-modulating effects, the success rate of translating these findings into effective human therapies is extremely low.
For example, U.S. FDA data show that only about 8–9% of findings from lab studies prove effective in humans. Patients should therefore understand the level of scientific evidence behind each supplement and avoid over-reliance.
Supplements That May Offer Supportive Benefits (Adjunct Only)
Some supplements have limited but promising clinical data and may help alleviate treatment-related side effects:
- Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 – may improve immune function and fatigue.
- Curcumin – anti-inflammatory properties, with small trials showing potential to reduce treatment-related side effects.
- Fish Oil (Omega-3) – supports anti-inflammatory effects and nutritional status.
- Mushroom Polysaccharides (e.g., Coriolus/PSK) – may enhance immune responses.
- Coenzyme Q10, Alpha-lipoic Acid, B Vitamins – sometimes linked to improved energy and reduced fatigue.
Important: These supplements are supportive only and cannot replace cancer treatment. Always discuss with your oncologist to avoid interactions with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Risks of Over-Supplementation
Some antioxidants, when taken in high doses, may increase cancer risk:
- Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene – linked to higher lung cancer risk in smokers.
- Vitamin E and Selenium – associated with higher prostate cancer risk in certain studies.
Unless medically indicated (e.g., pregnancy, osteoporosis), long-term or high-dose supplementation is not recommended.
Practical Advice for Patients
- Food First: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based diets.
- Exercise & Weight Management: Lower risks of recurrence and metabolic diseases.
- Stress & Sleep Management: Reduce chronic inflammation and immune imbalance.
- Use Supplements Wisely: Choose products backed by human clinical studies and always consult your healthcare team.
These approaches remain the most evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention and recurrence management.
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References
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Dietary supplements in cancer care. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). Dietary supplements: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
- World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018). Diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer: A global perspective. Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org