VITAMIN-E AND BREAST-CANCER - A REVIEW

Breast cancer is a major health problem in America, accounting for alm ost one-third of cancer-related deaths in women. The prevention of bre ast cancer through dietary modification is an active area of clinical and epidemiologic research. It has been proposed that the dietary supp lementation of vitamin E, a lipid-soluble antioxidant, may reduce a wo man's risk of developing breast cancer. In animal models, vitamin E ha s decreased the incidence of carcinogen induced mammary tumors. Intake and serum levels of vitamin E and their relation to breast cancer hav e been evaluated in epidemiologic studies. Results of epidemiologic st udies, however, have been conflicting. In this review, we examine the evidence that is available pertaining to the relationship between vita min E and breast cancer. Although epidemiologic study results have bee n inconsistent, further study of this nontoxic vitamin is warranted. P articular attention should be paid to the interactions of other antiox idants with vitamin E and to the duration and timing (pre- vs. postmen opausal) of vitamin E use in determining its preventive utility in bre ast cancer.