This may seem like a really stupid question and not at all as important as some but can I use products that contain collagen if I’m estrogen positive and taking anastrozole? My skin and hair need a lift but not sure what’s best to use.
Thank you xx
Hello Sandrab591
Thanks for posting. Yours is not a stupid question we are often asked about various supplements including collagen.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.
There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. These treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.
It’s not yet possible for us to say if it is safe to take collagen supplements. 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.
For any other supplement you can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual herbs and vitamins. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications. You may find that that some herbs have different names in America. You can also search herbal products and supplements on the European website Complementary and Alternative Medicine for cancer and on the American website Medicine Plus.
Do speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements.
You may be interested in the organisations Cancer Hair Care as well as Look Good Feel Better.
You can also connect with other women to see what has helped them, and you can do this through the range of services we offer.
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 more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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