Hi Zenova,
Thanks for posting.
Many people ask about vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines, as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy if they’ve had a diagnosis of breast cancer to help stay healthy or manage the side effects from treatments.
There is often the belief that these products are safe as they are considered natural. However, most don’t have to comply with the same testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with any conventional medicines people are taking including cancer treatments.
It’s not possible for us to say whether it’s safe to take collagen supplements when someone has had breast cancer or which one should be used. There is research looking at collagen levels and breast cancer, but it is not clear if this would mean that collagen supplements should be avoided. You can read more about this in this article Collagen benefits: Should I take a supplement? | MD Anderson Cancer Center.
It’s always important to speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements. You can also contact the World Cancer Research Fund Cancer and Nutrition helpline about diet and supplements following a cancer diagnosis.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturdays.
We are closed on English bank holidays.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes,
Catherine
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.