Antioxidant supplements and risk of breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer-related mortality among postmenopausal women.

Despite widespread use, only a few clinical or epidemiological studies have examined the relationship between antioxidant supplements and risk of breast cancer recurrence or breast cancer-related mortality. We used proportional hazards and logistic regression modeling to estimate rate ratios and odds ratios (ORs) for recurrence and mortality among 385 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1986 and 1988 enrolled into a case-control study on diet and cancer. Women were recontacted with a single questionnaire to ascertain the use of nutritional supplements during 12-14 yr of follow-up time. In multivariable models, antioxidant supplement users compared with nonusers were less likely to have a breast cancer recurrence or breast cancer-related death (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.27-1.04). Vitamin E supplements showed a modest protective effect when used for more than 3 yr (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.10-1.07). Premorbid dietary intake of vitamins C or E from diet, supplements, or both showed no relationship with risk. Risks of recurrence and disease-related mortality were reduced among women using vitamin C and vitamin E supplements for more than 3 yr. Recall bias among proxy respondents for women who died during follow-up may have contributed to these findings. This study provides limited support for the hypothesis that antioxidant supplements may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence or breast cancer-related mortality.