Tag: Recurrence

Is it useful to monitor for cancer recurrence after treatment for bowel cancer ?

No; unfortunately routine tests not useful to prolong life.

Logic dictates that early detection of bowel cancer recurrence would lead to prompt treatment and prolong life.

But cancer doesn’t do logic !

A large trial looked at usefulness of routine blood tests and scans for early diagnosis of cancer recurrence in bowel cancer patients.

The trial found that blood tests and scans were useful to diagnose recurrence early; but this early detection of recurrence ultimately did NOT improve life expectancy.

The study used tumour markers in blood [carcinoembryonic antigen CEA ] and Scans [computed tomography CT-scans] during the 5 years after surgery for bowel cancer.

Extra scans and bloods are NOT always useful.

References

  1. ESMO CEA and/or CT-scan Surveillance After Curative Surgery for Patients with Stage II or III CRC Does Not Provide Any Benefit in 5-year OS.
  2. Lepage C, Phelip J-M, Cany L, et al. for PRODIGE 13 investigators/Collaborators. Effect of 5 years of CT-scan and CEA follow-up on survival endpoints in patients with colorectal cancer . Annals of Oncology; Published online 17 September 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2025.09.004

Disclaimer: Please note – This blog is NOT medical advice. This blog is NOT a expert medical opinion on various topics. This blog is purely for information research only and do check the sources where cited. Please DO consult your own doctor to discuss concerns and options, which are relevant and specific to you. The views expressed in this blog are NOT, in any way whatsoever, intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The blog is NOT previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed, in any way, by any organisation that the author is associated with. The views expressed in this blog likely represents some of the author’s personal views held at the time of drafting the blog and MAY CHANGE overtime, particularly when new evidence comes to light.

Can Vitamins and anti-oxidants increase the risk of breast cancer coming back?

Yes, Dietary supplements can be harmful.

Vitamins and Minerals are absolutely essential nutrients for a Healthy body and a Healthy mind. Anyone not eating a healthy balanced should look what nutrients they might be missing.

But on the other hand, taking too much of vitamins and minerals, when they are not needed, could be harmful to the body.

There is widespread use of dietary supplements during cancer treatment, in the hope they can reduce side effects but many do not think about the disadvantages.

An American study of Breast cancer patients undergoing Chemotherapy looked at the effect of taking dietary supplements such as anti-oxidants, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Breast cancer patients who took the dietary supplements during chemotherapy were found be harmed by them. They had a higher chance of cancer coming back compared to people who did not take these supplements. The supplements also increased risk of death in those the supplements.

Beware supplements when used improperly, can be harmful.

Dietary Supplement Use During Chemotherapy and Survival Outcomes of Patients With Breast Cancer Enrolled in a Cooperative Group Clinical Trial (SWOG S0221)

Christine B. Ambrosone, PhD1; Gary R. Zirpoli, PhD2; Alan D. Hutson, PhD1; William E. McCann1; Susan E. McCann, PhD, RD1; William E. Barlow, PhD3; Kara M. Kelly, MD1; Rikki Cannioto, PhD, EdD1; Lara E. Sucheston-Campbell, PhD4; Dawn L. Hershman, MD5; Joseph M. Unger, PhD3; Halle C.F. Moore, MD6; James A. Stewart, MD7; Claudine Isaacs, MD8; Timothy J. Hobday, MD9; Muhammad Salim, MD10; Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, MD11; Julie R. Gralow, MD12; George T. Budd, MD6; and Kathy S. Albain, MD13

Disclaimer: Please note- This blog is NOT medical advice. This blog is purely for information only and do check the the sources where cited. Please consult your own doctor to discuss concerns and options relevant to you.

The views expressed in this blog represent the author’s views held at the time of drafting the blog and is likely to change overtime, particularly when new evidence comes to light. The blog is not necessarily endorsed by any organisation the author is associated with and views are not substitute for professional advice.