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Beta carotene helps slow cancer?

Page last modified on: October 14, 2008
Question from Key: I have mets to my lungs. I have heard that beta carotene is good for lung health. Do you think taking this supplement could at least help slow the growth of the cancer? If so, should I take more than the recommended dosage?
Answer —Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D.: Beta carotene does not help patients with lung metastases. In fact, in a cancer prevention trial involving thousands of people, supplementation of beta carotene was associated with a higher rate of lung cancer in people who are smokers or who quit smoking recently. Therefore, beta carotene cannot be recommended in your case.

On Wednesday, July 18, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Vitamins and Herbal Supplements. Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about how to safely and sensibly incorporate vitamins and supplements into your diet.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. is an internist and researcher with the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is a principal investigator or co-principal investigator in several NIH-funded research projects in the Integrative Medicine Service.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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