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About Michael Dean
Expertise
Can answer General information on the causes of cancer and cancer prevention. Information on current cancer research and breakthroughs. The genetics of cancer The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss. Cannot answer Specific medical questions

Experience
Cancer Researcher for over 20 years Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com. Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease. Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.

Organizations
American Association for Cancer Research American Association of Human Genetics

Publications
Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.) Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer

Education/Credentials
PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine

Awards and Honors
Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Oncology (General Cancer) > Cancer

Oncology (General Cancer) - Cancer


Expert: Michael Dean - 7/1/2009

Question
Hello my father has cancer and some oncologists told me not to give him vitamins. i wasn´t going to give him suplements just changing his diet, wtih planty of fruit, vegetables (not cooked) and fruit shakes, seeds etc...all of this he eaten very little. Some oncologist told me the opposite and which i believe this "part" are correct, if he doesn´t have vitamins and enzymes to defend himself to have strenght when the therapy begins he´s already weak, what should i do??? is it true that enzymes are a vital part for cleaning our blood??? Can i give to him pancreatic enzymes??? better, is it harmeless to him or can breakdown the effects of quimo or radiotherapy??? Thank you for your time...

Answer
Dear Mauro,

I am sorry to hear about your father. What kind of cancer is it?

Giving your father noutritious food including fruits and vegetables and protein is the best thing. I don't see any harm in adding a multivitamin to this diet.

The healthy body makes plenty of digestive enzymes and only in cases where the pancreas is damaged, do patients need additional enzymes.

The enzymes won't affect radiation therapy and most chemo is giving intravenously. But yes it is possible that some fruits (especially grapefruit) and enzymes could affect pills taken by mouth, so check with the doctor or a pharmacist, before giving anything unusual.

You might find this site useful:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/HOME/pff/PFF_2.asp

I hope this helps,

Michael

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