What Supplements Should Breast Cancer Survivors Avoid
Patients who took antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E as well as carotenoids and coenzyme Q10, both before and during chemotherapy were more likely to have a recurrence. Those who took vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements were at significantly greater risk for recurrence and death.
Effects Of Collagen Density On Cancer Cells
Increased stiffness compared to healthy tissue is a characteristic of most solid tumors that render them detectable by palpation. The high stiffness of tumor tissue has been shown to correlate with increased deposition of collagen as well as increased crosslinking of collagen fibers .
The high ECM stiffness is not only a passive bystander of cancer, but can also affect and drive many stages of tumor progression from malignant transformation and increased metabolic adaptability to enhanced intravasation, facilitating metastasis . In healthy tissue, matrix stiffness also controls many important cellular functions, such as development and homeostasis . In vitro, substrate stiffness has been shown to affect naïve mesenchymal stem cells, which when cultured on soft matrices, mimicking brain tissue, commit to a neuron-like lineage while when cultured on rigid matrices, mimicking collagenous bone, commit to an osteogenic lineage .
Indirectly, a stiff matrix is also capable of supporting tumor progression by favoring growth of endothelial cells and thereby stimulating angiogenesis . Additionally, matrix stiffening promotes the activity of the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif , which in turn are required for CAF-induced matrix stiffening, creating a positive feedback loop further driving the cancer-promoting effects described above .
The Role Of Collagen For Immune Activity In Tumors In Vivo
Several studies have attempted to elucidate the role of collagen for cancer progression and metastasis in vivo. However, only relatively few of these studies specifically investigated the effects of collagen on immune cell infiltration and activity.
The results are in line with a previous study where SPARC-/- mice, which display reduced deposition of fibrillar collagen, were used to study the effects of collagen on pancreatic cancer growth and liver metastasis. Tumors in SPARC-/- mice had decreased levels of collagen type I and III and higher levels of TAM-infiltration, which were associated with reduced survival and increased metastasis . Another study used mice with impaired pro-collagen processing to show that collagens produced selectively by the cancer cells had anti-tumorigenic effects .
In these in vivo studies of the effects of collagen on tumorigenesis and metastasis, it was not investigated how collagen deposition in the tumor affects the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In one study it was, however, shown that depletion of αSMA+ fibroblasts reduced the amount of collagen, and that this was accompanied by increased efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 therapy .
In late stage murine PDAC, a LOX-inhibitor did not have any effect on survival of the mice but, interestingly, tumors were found to have an increased number of T cells and decreased number of neutrophils . It could thus be of interest to further combine this treatment with immunotherapy.
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Lifestyle Changes After Breast Cancer
Lifestyle Changes after Breast Cancer Treatment: Conversations on Survival. A group of breast cancer survivors openly discuss what lifestyle changes were continued or changed after treatment. The importance of living in the moment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and knowing what is really important in life are all discussed.
To help yourself better cope with the side effects of breast cancer treatment and to reduce your chances of breast cancer recurrence, try incorporating these healthy tips:
1) Take care of yourself emotionally
- Put your needs first sometimes
- Attend a support group or find a breast cancer survivor you can talk with
- Stay informed about new breast cancer research
- Consider psychotherapy and/or antidepressants if warranted if youre taking tamoxifen, check with your oncologist to ensure the prescribed antidepressant does not interfere with your endocrine treatment
- Communicate with your doctor about fears or concerns
- Volunteer or become a breast cancer advocate
2) Take care of yourself physically
- Exercise regularly
- Report any physical changes to either your oncologist or primary care provider
- Seek treatment for lymphedema if you experience signs
3) Eat healthy
Research has shown that a diet high in fat and calories increases circulating estrogen in the blood. Consuming a low fat and low calorie diet after breast cancer can improve your overall health and wellness. Here are some dietary suggestions:
4) Reduce stress
5) Limit alcohol
6) Exercise regularly
Taking Supplements During Breast Cancer Treatment Increases Risk Of Death And Relapse What Does This Mean For Patients
A new study found that people with breast cancer who take supplements have a poorer survival rate … and a larger chance of relapse than those who don’t.
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Last month a study of over 1,000 people with breast cancer found some worrying evidence that certain nutritional supplements could reduce the chance of survival from the disease and increase the chance that the cancer would recur after treatment. The main findings were:
- Patients who reported taking any antioxidant – vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids and Coenyzme Q10 – were 41 percent more likely to have their breast cancer return when they took the supplements both before and during chemotherapy treatment
- Patients had a similar, but weaker, increased risk of death when taking those antioxidants
- Patients taking vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements were at significantly greater risk of breast cancer recurrence and death
- Patients taking multivitamins showed no signs of poorer or better outcomes after chemotherapy
The research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and led by scientists at the SWOG cancer research institute.
Patients using any antioxidant before and during chemotherapy had an increased risk of their breast cancer returning and, to a lesser degree, had an increased risk of death. Vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid use was also associated with poorer outcomes, said Christine B. Ambrosone, PhD, of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and leader of the study.
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Do Collagen Supplements Contain Estrogen
do collagen supplements contain estrogen, which is a hormone that is known to cause breast cancer.
The fact that the supplement is estrogen-containing is not a surprise, said Dr. David A. Karp, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and a co-author of the study. Its been known for a long time that estrogen is associated with breast cancers. , the hormone estrogen plays a role in the development of breast tissue. The hormone is also involved in breast development, but it is thought that it plays only a minor role. In the new study, researchers found that women who took the supplements had significantly higher levels of estrogen in their blood than women taking a placebo. This suggests that taking the products may be linked to a higher risk of developing breast tumors.The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Dos And Donts For Estrogen
Breast cancer is not just one disease it comes in many variations.
One of the primary factors in determining the type of breast cancer is the sensitivity of the tumor cells to estrogen. If a breast tumor is hormone-sensitive or estrogen receptor-positive, it means there are specific estrogen receptors on the tumor cells, and when estrogen binds with these receptors, it transfers a message to the cancer cells. Like a lock and key effect, the breast tumor cells are stimulated by estrogen to grow and reproduce. Therefore, one of the main goals of therapy or intervention with hormone-positive cancer is to reduce hormonal stimulation as much as possible.
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Research Into Dietary Supplements And Cancer
There is no reliable evidence that any dietary supplement can help to prevent cancer. Some research has found that taking certain supplements could increase the risk of some cancers developing.
There is evidence that a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can reduce your cancer risk.
Research has looked at whether certain vitamins and supplements can help to prevent cancer in certain groups of people.
A study looked at vitamin D supplements in preventing cancer and heart disease. The researchers found that vitamin D supplements did not lower the incidence of cancer or heart disease.
An organisation called The Cochrane Collaboration carries out systematic reviews. These are overviews of all the research into a specific issue. The reviews look at the published results of all the trials that have investigated a certain treatment in a particular situation. They pull all that information together and draw conclusions.
A Cochrane review published in 2018 looked at an essential mineral called selenium. They wanted to see if selenium supplements could reduce cancer risk. After looking at all the information they found that selenium did not reduce cancer risk. Some of the trials reported a higher incidence of high grade prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes in people who took selenium supplements.
You Have Natural Aromatase Inhibitors Options
The natural options listed below do not have any the toxic and dangerous side effects compared to the many synthetic aromatase inhibitors may provide.
A group of plant compounds called flavonoids that are widely found in whole foods have shown an inhibitory effect on the enzyme aromatase. They include:
- Black, green, and matcha teas
- Genistein from fermented soy
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Can You Take Excessive Collagen Peptides
Numerous points in nature comply with a J-shaped contour way too much or insufficient are both negative. The very same may be true for collagen supplements, yet sadly, theres no indication of what would comprise excessive. Theres additionally no evidence that collagen poisoning is a worry if you following dosing guidelines.
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Possible Risks Of Collagen Supplements For Women
Generally, collagen supplements dont pose a health risk, but some people reported digestive issues or rashes after taking collagen supplements. Depending on the manufacturer and type of collagen, the products may contain contaminants, unlisted ingredients and allergens.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt require clinical trials from supplement makers and doesnt regulate supplements as rigorously as pharmaceuticals. There are no warning labels on supplement packages for potential side effects. Make sure to check the source of the collagen type you decide to take to make sure it isnt coming from a source that could cause allergies, such as fish.
Some collagen manufacturers use third party labs, such as NSF Internationals Certified for Sport program, to certify their products purity and quality. Its a good idea to look for collagen supplement brands with these certifications. Make sure you check with your doctor if you decide to start a collagen supplementation regimen, especially if you are taking medication or have any chronic health conditions.
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What Are The Benefits Of Taking Collagen
Studies have shown that daily collagen supplements can help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body to produce new bone. Oral collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity for older people. They might also help to lessen wrinkles.
Adding Collagen To Your Diet
Men and women typically have the same guidelines for adding collagen to their diets, but women need fewer calories and require more vitamins and minerals, such as folate and iron.
If you are trying to eat more foods that support your bodys natural collagen production, choose leaner meats and lots of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as dark leafy greens. Bone broth, dairy, eggs and gelatin are foods naturally rich in collagen.Adding seeds and some types of nuts will provide healthy fats and more vitamins and minerals. Make sure you get foods rich in zinc and vitamin C, which can also help your body make collagen.
Including a collagen supplement in your meals and beverages may support collagen production, however, theres not enough scientific evidence yet to show that ingesting collagen directly increases collagen production.
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This advice is widely repeated on many reputable cancer websites. The American Cancer Society states that So far, no dietary supplements have been shown to clearly help lower the risk of breast cancer progressing or coming back, along with the advice to patients to speak to a member of their healthcare team if a patient is considering taking supplements.
I was never going to take anything that might reduce my chances of survival. However Im sure some cancer patients are desperate for the promise of a cure and will ignore this advice whilst they take every supplement recommended to them, said ORiordan.
Vitamin supplements, particularly multivitamins have had a rough couple of years with several studies questioning whether they have any positive effects on health at all. This analysis of almost half a million people by Johns Hopkins researchers entitled Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, found that multivitamin use did not decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease or help with cognitive decline. Experts recommend that the best way to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
So if many popular nutritional supplements are of questionable benefit for healthy people and increasingly not often recommended by healthcare professionals, where are people with cancer getting the message that they should take these?
Does Collagen Reactivate Breast Cancer
An additional article titled Cancer Reactivated by Collagen says breast cancer cells often enter a state of dormancy in metastatic niches, and their reactivation causes the emergence of metastatic disease even many years later. The tetraspanin TM4SF1 was previously identified as a molecule that promotes metastatic outgrowth in mice injected with dormant cancer cells. Gao et al. found that TM4SF1 promotes the reactivation of dormant breast cancer cells in the lung, bone, and brain by facilitating signaling in response to cellular contact with type I collagen, a major component of the extracellular matrix . Given that the presence of type I collagen stimulates cell migration out of the primary tumor, these new findings reveal another mechanism by which this ECM component promotes metastatic disease.
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Is Collagen Good For Estrogen
Those with sharp eyes would have noticed that we’ve only mentioned two hormones thus far. So what’s the third hormone that collagen is good for? The header is undoubtedly a dead giveaway, but here’s the answer anyway: estrogen.
For the uninitiated, estrogen is the hormone responsible for sex characteristics and reproductive abilities in women. Much like your collagen levels , your estrogen levels decline gradually over the years. That said, estrogen drops most sharply during menopause and post-menopause and this brings about wide-reaching effects on the body . More surprisingly still, it also appears that low estrogen levels also accelerate skin aging, including dryness, fine wrinkling, and poor wound healing.
So collagen comes into the picture, how? Studies have consistently shown a positive correlation between collagen and estrogen levels. That means the more collagen you have, the more estrogen youre likely to have. See where were going with this? Thats right: supplementing with collagen could boost your bodys collagen levels, which, in turn, may counter low estrogen levels.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
The ovaries make estrogen during the years before menopause, but its also made in fat cells where enzymes convert other hormones to estrogens. After menopause, fat is the primary source of estrogen production in the body. This means that weight is a critical factor in determining estrogen levels, for both pre- and post-menopausal women. Dietary choices and activities that promote a healthy weight are essential to any estrogen-reducing program.
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Vitamins And Minerals In Your Diet
Most doctors and dieticians recommend following a healthy diet after breast cancer treatment.
Research suggests that a diet high in fruit and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and whole grains, and a diet low in refined sugars, fats, red meats, and processed meats may help you live longer. A diet thats high in fiber is also linked to lower risk of breast cancer.
In general, its best to get nutrients from foods rather than supplements, says Kelly Rashid, a registered dietician in Fort Lauderdale, FL, who specializes in oncology nutrition. A nutrient-rich diet can help you get important vitamins and minerals to feel good and boost your health.
Mayo Clinic Minute: Are Supplements Safe For Cancer Patients
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may be considering taking herbal and dietary supplements to help strengthen your immune system and ease the symptoms of cancer treatment.
But are supplements safe when you have cancer?
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg is in the downloads at the end of the post. Please “Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.” Read the script.
If you’re diagnosed with cancer, you should be careful what supplements you’re taking.
“Oftentimes, the first thing I do is look through the list of supplements and start to discontinue many of the supplements that they are taking because perhaps there’s a drug interaction,” says Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a Mayo Clinic internal medicine specialist.
While research on the topic is limited, some studies suggest that ginger can be beneficial.
“Ginger is something we can consider delivering to our patients when they come in with that question: ‘What else can I do for my chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?'” says Dr. Mussallem.
Many patients experience cancer-related fatigue, often a side effect of treatment. American ginseng can help. But there are risks for some patients.
“It is believed that some products of American ginseng may have some estrogenic properties,” says Dr. Mussallem. “So women who have hormone receptor-positive breast cancers … I generally try to avoid long duration of American ginseng in these women.”
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