Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their disease or side-effects of other treatments. While the use of CAM agents may benefit a patient, it is important to realize that any chemical taken into the body could have negative effects or interfere with other drugs. Supplements derived from natural sources can have positive or negative effects on the body. As an example, many of the chemotherapy drugs used in Western medicine are derived from natural sources, including plants.
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Supplements can have a profound effect on how your body functions. Herbal supplements can affect each person differently and may have negative side effects.
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Some supplements may actually counteract the treatments administered by your doctor, including chemotherapy and radiation.
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Even vitamins should be used with caution. Taking large doses of vitamins, or mega dosing, can be harmful and even toxic.
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Many people selling CAMs use anecdotes and testimonials (individual cases) to " prove" their effectiveness.
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Supplements do not have to be approved by the government for many of the uses and claims they advertise.
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For the most recent clinical trials please see our section on Finding Clinical Trials.
*IMPORTANT NOTES*
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CORRELATION DOES NOT IMPLY CAUSATION
In large population studies it is very difficult to prove that intake of a particular supplement CAUSES a reduction in cancer. It is much easier to identify CORRELATIONS (or relationships) between dietary components and cancer incidence. In these large population studies, the fact that two different things are found to occur in relation to one another does not mean one causes the other (Non causa pro causa: correlation does not imply causation).
Example: If a study were to find that people with red cars drink more coffee; one could then draw the false conclusion that if someone wants to drink less coffee, all they have to do is paint their car another color.
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DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Dietary supplements have recently become regulated by the FDA. Before June 2007, dietary supplements could contain any substance in any amount and would only be examined by the FDA if it caused harm to the people who ingested it. From now on the ingredients and advertized concentrations will be monitored by the Food and Drug Administration.
*The information provided here may not include all side effects, interactions, or necessary precautions. Mention of any treatment is in no way an endorsement. This information should not be used in place of the advice of a medical professional. It is intended to educate and inspire further investigations into treatment options and effectiveness.*
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