Breast cancer hits one out of every eight women.
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States, with one in eight women diagnosed with the disease each year. While researchers contend over the exact details of a cancer-free lifestyle, there are vitamins associated with the cancer which may be beneficial once a woman is battling the disease.
The Role of Antioxidants
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals - harmful molecules that damage a cell's membrane and genetic material. Antioxidants offer free radicals their own electrons, thereby providing a protective effect against the growth of cancerous cells. Vitamins C and E are two such antioxidants.
Beta-carotene Benefits
Beta-carotene is the yellow pigment found in fruits and vegetables. According to the Department of Biochemistry at Tufts University School of Medicine, large doses of this antioxidant may decrease cancerous tumors.
Vitamin D Defense
According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, women with Vitamin D deficiencies have a higher risk of breast cancer. Once diagnosed with cancer, the vitamin may help stimulate a protein that reduces the growth of the tumors.
Daily Doses
The Cancer Treatment Center of America recommends 250 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of Vitamin C taken in divided doses of two or three times a day. Vitamin E recommendations indicate 400 international units (IU) daily. Consult your physician if you take blood thinners.
Beta-carotene can be taken in daily amounts of 10,000 to 25,000 IU.
Overloading on Vitamin D can be toxic, so do not take more than 600 IU daily unless prescribed by your physician.
Warning
Some physicians feel that taking antioxidants, such as Vitamins C, D, and E, are counterintuitive if undergoing radiation therapy and certain chemotherapies such as Adriamycin. Consult your physician before consuming any vitamin while receiving treatment for breast cancer.
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