Walk into any vitamin aisle and you’ll see it – shelves of supplements promising to boost immunity, fight inflammation or improve your health.
But can supplements actually help prevent cancer?
We asked Todd Alekshun, MD, the chief of hematology/oncology at Hartford Hospital, for answers. Here’s what to know.
Cancer prevention doesn’t come in a bottle
Spoiler alert: There’s no magic pill for cancer prevention.
Walk down the supplement aisle and it’s easy to feel like you’re one capsule away from “boosting immunity” or “protecting your cells.” But most of those claims are more marketing than medicine.
“There is no strong data that supports any supplement prevents cancer or we’d already be using it,” says Dr. Alekshun.
So don’t let the claims sway you.
“Like the label says, supplements aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease,” says Dr. Alekshun.
> Related: Why a Plant-Based Diet Might Prevent Prostate Cancer
Supplements can come with more risks than benefits
You may think “natural” means safe – but supplements can come with side effects and risks.
“Some can cause liver or kidney damage. Others may interfere with cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation,” says Dr. Alekshun.
And in some cases, supplements can do more harm than good. High-doses act differently than vitamins and minerals found in food, and can interfere with your body’s processes.
“Certain supplements, like vitamins A or E, may actually raise cancer risk, as seen with lung cancer in smokers and prostate cancer in some men,” he says.
Another issue is quality control. Supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as prescription drugs, so quality and dosing can vary from brand to brand.
Plus, “more” can add up fast. If you take a multivitamin, a greens powder and a few “immune boosters,” you could be doubling up on the same ingredients without realizing it.
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So, what does help prevent cancer?
If you’re serious about lowering your cancer risk, skip the supplements and focus on the basics, says Dr. Alekshun.
“The best advice is to move your body and eat a healthy, balanced diet,” says Dr. Alekshun. “Keep a healthy weight, limit red meat and pass on processed foods when you can.”
He also stresses the importance of:
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol
- Protecting your skin from prolonged sun and UV exposure with sunscreen and protective clothing
- Doing regular exercise
“These are the kinds of choices that have a proven impact on your long-term health,” he adds.
> Related: Why Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?
Always talk to your doctor first
Over the counter doesn’t guarantee it’s risk-free. upplements can interact with medications, worsen certain health conditions or complicate treatment plans without you realizing it.
“Before starting any supplement, talk to your doctor – especially if you’ve had cancer or you’re in treatment,” says Dr. Alekshun. “It’s not about saying no to everything. It’s about knowing what’s safe, effective and what’s worth your time.”
The bottom line? Save your money.
“Lifestyle choices have a much greater impact on cancer prevention than any supplement ever will,” says Dr. Alekshun. “There’s no shortcut. But there’s a lot you can do – and it starts with taking care of your body in simple, proven ways.”
