Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells invade breast cancer tissue. According to the cancer charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, a breast lump is the first symptom in nine out of 10 breast cancer cases. Although it is most common in women, it can affect men too. Treatment may involve surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In some cases a combination of these treatments may be used. Certain vitamins and minerals may also play a role in breast cancer treatment and prevention, although they should not be used in place of medical treatments. Get medical clearance before taking supplemental vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may play a role in breast cancer treatment by helping activate enzymes known as phosphotases, which according to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research work by shutting down the activities of other enzymes essential for the reproduction of cancer cells. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods including tuna, milk, eggs and sardines. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Get advice from your doctor regarding a suitable dose to help support breast cancer treatment.
Selenium
Selenium may help to induce cancer cell death, according to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research. Research findings published in the March 2009 of the "Singapore Medical Journal" also show that a low selenium intake is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Selenium is a trace mineral that helps the body fight free-radical damage. Dietary sources include whole grains, meats, poultry and nuts. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Your doctor may recommend a suitable dose to help prevent or treat breast cancer.
Vitamin B-3
More commonly known as niacin, vitamin B-3 is a water-soluble vitamin that, according to the A.P.John Institute for Cancer Research, might help to treat breast cancer by depleting reserves of glycine, an amino acid used by cancer cells to synthesize DNA. Vitamin B-3 is a water-soluble vitamin found in a host of foods including green vegetables, meat and fish. Like selenium and vitamin D, it is also available as a supplement. MayoClinic.com notes that required doses may vary according to the condition it is being used to treat. Ask you doctor to advise you.
Safety Considerations
Although vitamin and mineral supplements are freely available in most pharmacies and health food stores, they are not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects. For example, taking a niacin supplement may cause facial flushing and dry, itchy skin. They might also interact with other medicines you may be taking. For example, vitamin D may interact with corticosteroids and the weight loss drug, orlistat. Get medical clearance before taking vitamin or mineral supplements.
References
- Macmillan Cancer Support: Breast cancer
- A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Breast Cancer
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- "Singapore Medical Journal"; Relationship Between Selenium and Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study in the Klang Valley; S. Suzana, et al.; March 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Selenium
- MayoClinic.com: Niacin (Vitamin B3, Nicotinic acid), Niacinamide
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