Can You Suggest Any Reliable Websites Where I Can Find Out More Information On The Many Herbal Products And Supplements That Claim To Help Cancer Care?

—Jan. 13, 2010 -- Question: Can you suggest any reliable websites where I can find out more information on the many herbal products and supplements that claim to help cancer care?

Answer:There are few good websites that can provide solid information, evidence-based information, about the use of dietary supplements, and this is a very important question. So I would encourage people to check this out before you try any dietary supplement. Memorial Sloan Kettering, my department at Sloan Kettering has a website called "About Herbs" and the address is www.mskcc.org/aboutherbs. This website is about herbs, vitamins, many other over-the-counter products and some unproven methods. And it provides a great deal of information, both for professionals and for the general public.

In addition, the National Institutes of Health has some information along these lines. I think it's very, very important for people to understand that it's risky if you are receiving any kind of cancer treatment, if surgery is planned, if you're receiving chemotherapy or radiation, it is risky and not a good idea to indulge in dietary supplements.