Many people take supplements because they hope to lower their chance of getting cancer.
With so many products in stores, it can be confusing to know which ones truly help. While no supplement can promise to stop cancer, some have shown helpful results in research.
One of the most studied is vitamin D. This vitamin, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” helps the body control how cells grow. This is important because uncontrolled cell growth can lead to cancer. Research has found that people with more vitamin D in their blood may have a lower chance of getting colon cancer.
Experts think that vitamin D helps the immune system and reduces swelling in the body. Adults who don’t get much sunlight might benefit from taking 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found in fish oil. They help reduce inflammation, which is linked to some cancers like breast and prostate cancer. A study found that people who ate more omega-3s had a lower chance of getting these types of cancer. While it’s best to eat fatty fish like salmon, fish oil pills are a good option if you don’t eat fish often.
Selenium is a mineral that also works as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage. A study showed that people with good selenium levels had a lower risk of lung, colon, and prostate cancers. But be careful—taking too much selenium can be harmful. Most adults only need about 55 micrograms a day.
Green tea extract is another supplement with cancer-fighting potential. Green tea contains catechins, especially EGCG, which have been shown in labs to slow cancer cell growth. A review of many studies found that drinking green tea may help lower the risk of cancers like breast and stomach cancer. If you don’t drink green tea every day, green tea extract pills may help.
Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric, a spice often used in cooking. Curcumin can reduce swelling and protect cells from damage. It has been studied for its role in lowering the risk of colon and pancreatic cancers. One study even found that curcumin may help cancer treatments work better. You can add turmeric to your food or take curcumin supplements.
Even though these supplements show promise, they can’t replace a healthy lifestyle. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, being active, and not smoking are still the most important ways to lower cancer risk.
Also, taking high doses of some supplements can be risky. For example, high doses of beta-carotene were found to raise the risk of lung cancer in smokers. So, more is not always better.
Before starting any new supplement, it’s best to talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you have health issues or are taking medications.
In short, vitamin D, omega-3s, selenium, green tea extract, and curcumin may help lower cancer risk. But they work best when used with healthy habits. Think of them as extra support for staying well and living longer.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that a low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing higher intake of dairy foods linked to higher prostate cancer risk.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
