Antioxidants, in the form of nutrients in food or supplements, have been touted for their health benefits. These vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and enzymes can prevent cell damage in the body and reduce the risk of certain diseases with an improvement in the immune system. There is some question, though, on their risks and benefits when it comes to breast cancer.
Benefits
Antioxidants like carotenoids, soy, lutein and polyphenols have been shown to be helpful in heart disease and diabetes. They protect tissues in the body from damage that occurs during oxidation. Antioxidants also increase immunity, lowering the risk of infection. The American Cancer Society recommends eating more fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of some cancers.
Risks
A study by professor Zachary Schafer at the University of Notre Dame showed high antioxidant concentrations to help cancer cells regain their ability to produce the ATP molecule, critical to cancer growth. Additional studies, including one documented in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" in 2008, agree that taking antioxidant supplements may be risky. Though studies have not concluded that taking high doses of these compounds cause cancer, the risks should be considered.
Types
The controversy about antioxidants and breast cancer are mostly related to supplements, which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their exact dosage and content. With the exception of soy--which is in question because of its link to estrogen--getting antioxidants through foods may be a better option for people with breast cancer. Some examples would be to eat more grapes for flavonoids, green peppers for vitamin C or fish for selenium.
Effect on Treatment
According to Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder of Breastcancer.org, antioxidant vitamins may interfere with breast cancer treatment. A study published in Cancer, a medical journal about the disease, agreed with this finding after studying women who had breast cancer and who took high doses of antioxidants. These doses of supplements appeared to protect the cancer cells from chemotherapy and radiation, eradicating the free-radical damage that doctors are trying to create with treatment.
Considerations
There have been no studies that have conclusively said antioxidants can reduce the life expectancy of a breast cancer patient, but there is enough evidence to cast a shadow of doubt. According to Dr. Brian Lawenda, a director of radiation oncology for San Diego's Naval Medical Center, you should not take any high-dose antioxidants during breast cancer treatments. In fact, your doctors should be aware of everything you are taking, whether it is prescription or over the counter.
