Vitamin-Calcium Supplements Reduce Breast Cancer Risks

By Devaki

Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 14:43

Intake of vitamins and calcium supplements will reduce the risk of breast cancer, says a new study. These health supplements can help the cells to repair damaged DNA, using a process that involves more than 200 proteins.

The experts say that it is not an immediate effect. But long-term effects are sure in terms of breast cancer reduction. The process, which involves at least five separate pathways, is critical for maintaining genomic stability. When DNA is not repaired, it will lead to mutation that leads to cancer, says Jaime Matta, Professor from Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico.

The study, which included 268 women with breast cancer and 457 healthy controls, showed that vitamin supplements appeared to reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 30 percent and calcium supplements, by 40 percent.

Women are more likely to have breast cancer when get older, if they have a family history of the dreadful disease, had no history of breastfeeding or had lower DNA repair capacity.

After controlling for the level of DNA repair capacity, the calcium supplements are no longer as protective, but link between vitamin supplements and breast cancer reduction will remain for ever, says the experts.

"We're not talking about mega doses of these vitamins and calcium supplements, so this is definitely one way to reduce risk," says Matta.

The study was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research, 101st Annual Meeting 2010