Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow in an uncontrolled manner to form a tumor. It is the most common form of cancer in women as of 2011. According to the U.K. health information website Netdoctor, it affects one million women worldwide. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of these treatments. Vitamin E may also support conventional breast cancer treatments, but evidence to show it can treat the cancer itself is lacking. Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect cells from free radicals, compounds that cause cell death and damage DNA. It also plays a role in blood cell formation and may also help boost eye health and prevent Alzheimer's disease. It is also sometimes used to help prevent cancer, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, might boost the effect of tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical studies showing that vitamin E can help prevent or treat breast cancer is lacking in 2011. However, the results of a study published in the February 2011 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" show that using antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in the first six months following breast cancer diagnosis may reduce mortality rates and prevent the disease from recurring. Research published in the September 2009 issue of the "European Journal of Cancer" also shows that vitamin E may help to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy in breast cancer patients, when combined with a drug known as pentoxifylline.
Sources and Administration
Vitamin E is found in a variety of foods including wheat germ, liver, eggs, asparagus and dark green leafy vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the dose often used for disease prevention and treatment for adults is 400 to 800 IU daily.
Safety Considerations
Vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding and should not be used alongside anticoagulants. Vitamin E also interacts with a large number of drugs including antidepressants, beta blockers, cholesterol-lowering drugs and the weight loss drug, orlistat. It may also make chemotherapeutic drugs less effective, so don't take supplemental vitamin E if you are undergoing chemotherapy. Get medical clearance before taking supplemental vitamin E.
References
- Netdoctor; Breast Cancer; Mr. Michael J. Dixon; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin E; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention";Vitamin Supplement use During Breast Cancer Treatment and Survival: A Prospective Cohort Study; S. Nechuta, et al.; February 2011
- "European Journal of Cancer"; Pentoxifylline and Vitamin E Treatment for Prevention of Radiation-Induced Side-Effects in Women With Breast Cancer: A Phase Two, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomised Clinical Trial (Ptx-5); M. Magnusson, et al.; September 2009
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