Leanna J.  Standish,Eunjung  Kim,M. Robyn  Andersen,
Comparison of Dietary Supplements Use Between Receivers and Refusers of Adjuvant Breast Cancer Treatments
Clinical Oncology and Research
2019
2613-4942
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.COR.2019.03.02
https://www.sciencerepository.org/comparison-of-dietary-supplements-use-between-receivers-and-refusers-of-adjuvant-breast-cancer-treatments_COR-2019-3-102 
Abstract: Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare dietary supplement use between women who received all
recommended conventional breast cancer treatments (Receivers) with those who did not (Refusers). We
sought to understand commonly used supplements, use frequency, and prescribers.
Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using baseline data of Breast Cancer Integrative Oncology
Study, which recruited 369 women with breast cancer from integrative oncology clinics and Cancer
Surveillance System registry in Western Washington State. Self-reported data and registry data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and X2 tests to compare Receivers and Refusers in their
demographic and disease characteristics and supplement use.
Results: Refusers used more supplements than Receivers did after diagnosis, 5.43 ± 5.29 vs. 2.66 2.88, F =
26.32, p < 0.001. Refusers used more fish oil and garlic before diagnosis, and more green tea, vitamin C,
melatonin, coenzyme Q10, turmeric, and garlic after the diagnosis than Receivers. Most Receivers and
Refusers took supplements 5 or more days per week. Most of the supplements were self-prescribed except
vitamin D and Melatonin, which were prescribed by medical doctors or CAM providers.
Conclusions: Receivers and Refusers generally used the same top ten supplements, often antioxidants,
although the frequency of use differed slightly, and Refusers took more supplements. Receivers, who are
undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy need to know that taking antioxidants may influence treatment
effectiveness. Refusers need to be informed that there is no strong evidence that the use of dietary
supplements reduces recurrence or mortality.Keywords: Breast cancer, women, satisfaction with healthcare providers, supplements, adjuvant therapy