Hi mrsc123
Thank you for your post.
It is good to hear you are doing well following you breast cancer treatment and that you are not experiencing any side effects on tamoxifen; also, that you are wanting to take care of yourself with a healthy diet and exercise and do everything to ‘keep everything away’ as you say.
Many people like yourself 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, so it is difficult to say. 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 including cancer treatments.
You can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual herbs and vitamins if you are ever considering taking something. 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.
If you’re struggling to get essential nutrients or vitamins from your diet during or after treatment, your GP may prescribe a dietary supplement. For example, if your bone health has been affected, they may prescribe a calcium or vitamin D supplement. However, unless you’re having problems recovering from treatment, you do not need to take supplements.
Do speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements. Generally, you don’t need a blood test unless your GP suggests there are clinical reasons.
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone. It sounds like you are even more aware of the importance of what you eat and drink following your diagnosis. As you say just eat well which means having a balanced diet as this will have a range of health benefits for you. You may find our information here on diet and breast cancer helpful.
We also have a discussion with a dietician on our YouTube channel here about diet after breast cancer .
The World Cancer Research Fund offer information on healthy eating.
As you are aged 34 you may or may not be aware we offer support tailored specifically for younger women with primary breast cancer who are aged between 20-45 years. This includes our Younger Women Together events that are run face to face and online. This support offers the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other younger women and get expert information in a confidential space. More information can be found on the links above.
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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Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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