Unregistered Supplements: A Dangerous Game for Cervical Cancer Patients

CERVICAL cancer remains a significant health concern for women worldwide. In 2024, an estimated 670,000 new cases and approximately 350,000 deaths from cervical cancer were reported.

The disease is strongly associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly high-risk strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, which trigger precancerous changes in cervical cells.

Most cases of cervical cancer occur in women aged 35 to 44; however, it can also affect younger women, especially those with risk factors. Key risk factors for cervical cancer include early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and smoking. Women with immune-weakening conditions, such as HIV, are particularly susceptible to developing the disease.

Cervical cancer requires evidence-based medical care tailored to each patient.

Treatment options, guided by established clinical guidelines, include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on various factors such as the cancer stage, the presence of HPV infection, the patient’s overall health, and any underlying conditions.

Use of supplements by cervical cancer patients

Standard treatments are the cornerstone of cervical cancer management. Yet, some patients might explore additional options such as supplements, hoping these products may offer potential benefits. Moreover, research suggests that certain vitamins, minerals, and trace elements could help prevent cancer progression, reduce chemotherapy side effects, and improve overall well-being.

For example, vitamins B, C, and D will strengthen the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight the disease. Additionally, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation.

Probiotics may promote gut health, which is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, as these treatments can cause side effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

The supportive effects of supplements can improve the quality of life for cervical cancer patients. While supplements may offer general health benefits, they should never replace standard cancer treatments. Patients are advised to consult healthcare providers before using supplements to ensure they are safe, appropriate for individual needs, and do not interfere with the prescribed treatments.

Beware of deceptive tactics by unregistered supplement sellers

In the hope of achieving total remission from cancer, some patients may resort to any method they believe would help eliminate cancer cells, including the use of unregistered supplements sold by unauthorised sellers. Advertisements with exaggerated claims about the safety and efficacy of these supplements can persuade desperate patients to purchase and use such products.

This desperation can cause patients to underestimate the severity of their condition or ignore crucial advice from healthcare professionals. They may be misled into using unregistered supplements as alternative or complementary treatments, which can delay evidence-based medical interventions and potentially worsen their prognosis.

Manufacturers of unregistered supplements often fail to meet quality control standards, increasing the risk of product contamination. These products frequently contain unverified ingredients or harmful substances, which can lead to adverse effects, drug interactions, or even toxicity.

For example, certain unregistered supplements may interfere with the absorption or metabolism of chemotherapy drugs, increasing the risk of dangerous interactions with conventional cancer treatments.

In addition to the risk of drug interactions, the use of unregistered supplements poses significant health risks to patients, as these products are not evaluated for quality or safety. They are not tested for the presence of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Consuming supplements with excessive levels of these toxic metals can lead to serious health issues, including kidney failure, nervous system damage, and impaired brain development.

Advice to patients

It is crucial for cervical cancer patients to consult healthcare providers before using any supplements to ensure they do not interfere with their treatment outcomes. Patients should adhere to their prescribed treatment plan, which is proven to be effective and tailored to the specific stage and type of cervical cancer. Additionally, they should be cautious of products claiming to cure cervical cancer, especially if these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.

Before purchasing or using any supplements, patients should check the registration status of the product using the Product Search function on the NPRA website. Alternatively, the NPRA Product Status mobile application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. To verify a product’s status, patients can search by product name, active ingredient, or registration number.

Patients are also advised to verify the authenticity of a product’s hologram safety label. This can be done using the FarmaChecker mobile application. Alternatively, the authenticity of the Farmatag™ hologram safety label can be verified with an ultraviolet (UV) scanner, available at most community pharmacies.

If there are any inquiries regarding medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8am to 5pm, except on public holidays.

Prepared by A. Yaashini Anamalai, a pharmacist from Hospital Putrajaya. You can contact her at [email protected].