Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Tamoxifen?

Thanks for visiting my web site. If you have concerns about soy foods, please re-visit my web site and click on the Q&A page, then breast cancer and/or soy to review what I have written already.

In regards to other foods of concern, the only one I have read about is tangerine peels, which contain a flavonoid called tangeretin that has been shown to counter the anti-estrogen effects of tamoxifen (1) . I used to throw a whole tangerine in my soy shake when they came in season until I read about that interaction. However, even with those many times that I did that, I have not had a recurrence of my breast cancer, so I would not worry too much about it. I would not avoid tangerine juice, which has been shown to have 20x less tangeretin than the tangerine peels. (2) However, this flavonoid is often put into dietary supplements, so be sure to read the labels of anything you might be taking on a daily basis.

Please make an appointment with the Registered Dietitian at your cancer center for any further information about diet and supplements you might have.

Best regards,
Diana Dyer, MS, RD

References:

(1) Inhibition of tamoxifen's therapeutic benefit by tangeretin in mammary cancer. Depypere HT, Bracke ME, Boterberg T, Mareel MM, Nuytinck M, Vennekens K, Serreyn R. Eur J Cancer. 2000 Sep;36 Suppl 4:S73.

(2) Tangerine peels may lower cholesterol: peels contain 20 times the flavonoids of juice. Article based on interview with author from: Kurowska, E. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, May 12, 2004.

FAQ posted 6/04

Back to Main QandA Page

Flaxseeds

	Is it safe to use flaxseeds whole? I have not found anything that will grind whole flaxseed.
	Is the omega-3 fatty acid content of brown flaxseeds and golden flaxseeds really different? updated 4/02
	Do you have more recipes using flaxseeds? posted 1/02, updated 4/02
	Should women with ER+ breast cancer avoid flaxseeds and flax oil that contain the phytoestrogens called lignans?
	Will taking my medications mixed with flaxseed powder and applesauce cause them to not be absorbed? posted 2/02
	How quickly does one need to eat ground flaxseed to prevent spoilage? posted 5/02
	What is the best way to clean out my coffee grinder when switching from grinding my coffee to flaxseeds? posted 12/02
	My husband had prostate cancer. Should he be avoiding flax? posted 4/03
	Does consuming flaxseeds potentially interfere with the anti-estrogen effect of Tamoxifen? posted 9/03, updated 2/04, updated 3/05
	Are flaxseeds safe to eat after heating? posted 1/04
	The May 2004 issue of Prevention Magazine says that women with ER+ breast cancer should not be eating flaxseeds. Do you agree? posted 4/04

top