Gerald A. Goldklang, M.D. - Cancer Prevention

Should I Take Antioxidants To Reduce My Risk of Cancer?

Antioxidants have been shown to have many health benefits. Besides reducing the incidence of heart disease and stroke, antioxidants may help reduce the incidence of cancer. They act as protective substances by destroying free radicals, which are the harmful byproducts formed through the body's metabolism. Free radicals damage cells and initiate carcinogenesis, which is the development of cancerous cells. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium are all antioxidants. In addition, there are hundreds more naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant foods.

Understanding What They're Saying

Some people with cancer want to know every detail about their condition and their treatment. Others prefer only general information. The choice of how much information to seek is yours.

Always feel free to ask your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist as many questions as you want. If you do not understand their answers, keep asking until you do. Remember, there is no such thing as a "stupid" question, especially about cancer or your treatment. To make sure you get all the answers you want, you may find it helpful to draw up a list of questions before each doctor's appointment. Some people keep a "running list" and jot down questions as they occur to them.

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