Tumeric

[stparker54]

Should you take turmeric during chemo?

[Newbie_2020]

My oncologist said it was OK. He even recommended it. To clarify, the chemo was Carbo/Taxol.

[Kayadiana]

I did, although I didn’t tell my oncologist. She had already been negative about fasting with chemo, so I didn’t expect her to welcome any deviation from the standard protocol. I had done a fair amount of research, though, and was pretty confident about the benefits, both of turmeric and of short-term fasting while having chemo, especially as, other than the cancer, I was reasonably fit and in good health. I might have made a different decision otherwise.

I see from Newbie that her oncologist supported her and I know, from chatting with other patients during chemo, that there are others who do, too. If you want to do your own research, you can get links to various research studies from sites such as canceractive.com (a charity I’ve supported for a long time).

Best wishes

[JayGeeCee]

I was told not to use turmeric or grapefruit. I don’t know the why’s or wherefore but did as I was told.

Joy

[Newbie_2020 in reply to JayGeeCee]

I had read about Grapefruit and Seville Oranges with Olaparib but not with chemo. It is a precise warning on the leaflet as they will accelerate the drug's effectiveness and cause more side effects.

[SUE7777]

I was told by my onc not to during chemo. Sue xx

[Gemimablackvelvet]

Good morning! I asked about taking Turmeric during chemo but the oncologist said no as I’m on blood thinners and Turmeric is a blood thinner. However my chemist, who is Indian, raves about its quality and being Indian says he uses it in everything.

Sorry if that’s confusing but the best person to ask is the oncologist not the GP. Good luck.

Love from

Angela xx

[Ruebacelle]

Here what they counsel is turmeric powder but not supplements.

[Lyndy]

My approach is that while you are on aggressive treatment like chemo you really should abide by the rules and ask your oncologist if taking a supplement is alright. Chemo is expensive and I try to respect the fact that time and money is being spent on me. However... once treatment is over it is entirely your decision. Hope that makes sense xx

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hello stparker54

You may find it helpful to look at the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) About Herbs database. mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagn... It's a useful database that includes the interactions of herbs and supplements with other medications and their side effects.

The information on turmeric is here: mskcc.org/cancer-care/integ...

You'll see it explains that there is some evidence that turmeric inhibits the action of doxorubicin. Caelyx chemotherapy is liposomal doxorubicin. It also mentions liver toxicity in a patient who was taking paclitaxel (taxol) and turmeric.

There is also information on the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) website here: cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

It is always recommended to discuss any supplements you are taking with your oncologist so they can advise you as an individual on any interactions and risks. A specialist pharmacist may also be able to advise you.

I've discussed this previously with one of the dietitians on our medical advisory board and she advised that cooking with turmeric is safe. Turmeric supplements have much higher concentrations which is what the MSK and CRUK information refers to.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Anna

Ovacome Support

[Doglover1410]

I was told not to by my oncologist x

[stparker54]

I want to thank everyone for their responses. You have given me a lot to think about. I think I will stop turmeric while I'm undergoing chemo and radiation therapy but will resume it afterward.