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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Changes in vitamin and mineral supplement use after breast cancer diagnosis in the Pathways Study: a prospective cohort study

Authors: Heather Greenlee, Marilyn L Kwan, Isaac J Ergas, Garrett Strizich, Janise M Roh, Allegra T Wilson, Marion Lee, Karen J Sherman, Christine B Ambrosone, Dawn L Hershman, Alfred I Neugut, Lawrence H Kushi

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Vitamin and mineral supplement use after a breast cancer diagnosis is common and controversial. Dosages used and the timing of initiation and/or discontinuation of supplements have not been clearly described.

Methods

We prospectively examined changes in use of 17 vitamin/mineral supplements in the first six months following breast cancer diagnosis among 2,596 members (28% non-white) of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine demographic, clinical, and lifestyle predictors of initiation and discontinuation.

Results

Most women used vitamin/mineral supplements before (84%) and after (82%) diagnosis, with average doses far in excess of Institute of Medicine reference intakes. Over half (60.2%) reported initiating a vitamin/mineral following diagnosis, 46.3% discontinuing a vitamin/mineral, 65.6% using a vitamin/mineral continuously, and only 7.2% not using any vitamin/mineral supplement before or after diagnosis. The most commonly initiated supplements were calcium (38.2%), vitamin D (32.01%), vitamin B6 (12.3%) and magnesium (11.31%); the most commonly discontinued supplements were multivitamins (17.14%), vitamin C (15.97%) and vitamin E (45.62%). Higher education, higher intake of fruits/vegetables, and receipt of chemotherapy were associated with initiation (p-values <0.05). Younger age and breast-conserving surgery were associated with discontinuation (p-values <0.05).

Conclusions

In this large cohort of ethnically diverse breast cancer patients, high numbers of women used vitamin/mineral supplements in the 6 months following breast cancer diagnosis, often at high doses and in combination with other supplements. The immediate period after diagnosis is a critical time for clinicians to counsel women on supplement use.
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Metadata
Title
Changes in vitamin and mineral supplement use after breast cancer diagnosis in the Pathways Study: a prospective cohort study
Authors
Heather Greenlee
Marilyn L Kwan
Isaac J Ergas
Garrett Strizich
Janise M Roh
Allegra T Wilson
Marion Lee
Karen J Sherman
Christine B Ambrosone
Dawn L Hershman
Alfred I Neugut
Lawrence H Kushi
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-14-382

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