Turmeric with Curcumin
Hi Everyone
I had Breast Cancer 10 1/2 years ago; diagnosed at the age of 35. I am coming off Tamoxifen in November this year after 10 years on it. My Cancer was Triple Positive. People are telling me about the benefits of taking Turmeric with Curcumin Supplement as a security for it's cancer preventing properties. But when I looked up should a Breast Cancer patient take this supplement it states that curcumin might act like the hormone estrogen. I am confused now, I had ordered a years supply to start when I come off tamoxifen but don't know what to do now. Anyone any further information on this.
Comments
Hi Kath,
Having read the advice from the Cancer Care Nurse (many thanks for your reply too) I am not going to take the Turmeric. I do exercise everyday and I always eat 7 portions of fruit and veg each day. I limit my alcohol intake too. I tolerated tamoxifen very well and am now in peri-menopause. I am not anxious about coming off the medication, I thought I would be but I am a very positive thinker and it helps and I know I have done everything treatment wise, my Doctor told me I was overtreated. Hope you are doing well, the 2 years will fly by, I remember when I was told at 5 years I needed to do 5 more on medication and I thought this will drag out but it has flown by. Take care and wishing you all the best for the future.
Hi Cheshire,
I've been thinking about your reply and you are absolutely right! Like you I have done everything I should treatment-wise.
Thank you so much for your very reassuring perspective. It had not occurred to me to think of it like that. You have helped me over this end of Tamoxifen hurdle even before I get to it.
Best wishes
Kath
Hi Cheshire,
Thank you for your post. There is a lot of information promoting the benefits of Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. The main active ingredient in it is curcumin. However there is not reputable scientific evidence to support this. If you are considering taking these supplements we would recommend you seek the advice from your oncology team first.
Rates of certain cancers seem to be lower in countries where large amounts of these spices are included in the typical diet, however this does not seem to translate well when large amounts of the spices are consumed in supplements. Unfortunately some of these supplements have been shown to cause side effects such as stomach irritation and skin problems.
If you would like to read more information about turmeric and curcumin you can do so at a reputable site such as Cancer Research UK here
I am glad to hear that your 10 years of taking Tamoxifen is at last over and we wish you the very best.
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse
Thank you for your advice. I have decided not to take turmeric. I will just ensure my diet is good and continue with my daily exercises.I am very happy to be at the end of my Tamoxifen journey and thank you for your advice and kind wishes.
Hi Cheshire,
Great to hear that 10/12 years on you are dong well and arriving at the end of your treatment. Well done!
Check with your doctor to find out if this supplement can help you, especially if the "people" you mention are not medical professionals.
What I have always heard is that regular physical activity, maintaining a normal bodyweight and keeping alcohol levels very low have far more impact on keeping cancer at bay than any supplement or restrictive diet.
I'll be in your position in two year's time and I do feel apprehensive about stopping Tamoxifen as I know it has protected me all these years. I won't miss the cramps and the hot flushes for sure!
Let us know what you find out about this supplement. I have heard it is good for combatting inflammation but whether it has a real impact on cancer is another story of course.
Take care
Kath