In 2010, approximately 207,090 women received a diagnosis of breast cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Researchers are constantly striving to find new ways to treat breast cancer and many today are looking at turmeric. Though turmeric is a spice most commonly used in foods such as Indian curry and mustards, it has shown some promise in the treatment of breast cancer. You should always discuss the use of turmeric with your oncologist before you begin use.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a relative of ginger, and it grows in the tropics of Southeast Asia and India. Herbalists use the roots, rhizomes and bulbs medicinally to treat inflammation, indigestion, colds, flu and many other ailments. Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant, a chemical that help protects the body from free radicals that cause cellular damage and death and tamper with DNA. Researchers are currently looking into the use of turmeric to treat many maladies including diabetes, cancer, uveitis, atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis.
Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society states that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, with the exception of skin cancer. Though it is not clear what causes some women to develop breast cancer, researchers do know that it begins when cells grow abnormally, dividing more rapidly than healthy cells do. These rapidly forming cells form a tumor that may spread from the breast to the lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of breast cancer often include a lump or thickened tissue that feels different than other surrounding tissues. In some cases, women may experience bloody discharge from the nipples, change in breast size and shape, dimpling of the skin over the breast, an inverted nipple, peeling and flaking of the skin of the nipple and redness or pitting of the skin over the breast. Current cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy.
The Science
As of 2011, early clinical trial results are beginning to trickle in from both test tube and animal testing regarding the use of turmeric for cancer treatment. However, evidence from test tube and animal studies show that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric may help prevent, control or kill several types of cancer including, prostate, skin, colon and breast cancer. Researchers believe that curcumin may affect the blood vessels that supply blood to cancerous tumors causing them to shrink and die. Turmeric's antioxidant properties may also prevent cancer by protecting cells from damage.
While turmeric may someday be a viable option for breast cancer treatment one day, researchers do not have enough data on its effects on humans. If you currently have breast cancer, you should not forgo conventional therapy or rely solely on alternative therapies for treatment.
Warnings
No side effects have been reported when using turmeric in foods, but there is not enough clinical data to know whether medicinal doses of turmeric may produce adverse affects. However, research shows that turmeric may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin and aspirin, increasing bleeding risk. It may also interfere with drugs that reduce stomach acid, potentially exacerbating the underlying condition.
