Ive read somewhere that women who have had breast cancer shouldnt have flaxseed as it could increase oestrogen does anyone know if this is true? Im post triple negative.
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I havent heard that and I had an oestrogen positive BC. I did ask my consultant if there is anything that I should avoid and haven’t been told anything other than the obvious (limit alcohol, don’t smoke, watch my weight). I’ve seen that processed meats should be avoided too. I’m always a little dubious about some of these claims because similar have been debunked in the past. Soya was demonised for example for the same reason but actually now I believe it’s considered safe?
I’d try not to be too concerned if your consultant hasn’t told you to avoid anything and since you were triple negative I imagine that your cancer wasn’t feeding on oestrogen anyway unless it’s possible for a TNBC to be partly ER+ (like HER2 low in ER+ HER2- cancers)?
Hi. I take flaxseed daily in my shake and my Oncologist confirmed it was fine to take but always ask. I was ER and PR positive x
Flaxseed are super good for you! I haven’t heard anything about not eating them. I have them everyday x
Hi Kazlw
Thanks for your post.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements, including flaxseed, 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. Herbal 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.
You can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual herbs and vitamins including flaxseed. 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
As @NatalieS42 says, do speak to your treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements.
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, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Addie
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