CAM treatments could hinder cancer treatment.

2004 FEB 10 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cancer patients who use herbal remedies and health supplements during conventional treatment may risk dangerous side effects, according to a new report.

Garlic, cod liver oil and St. John's wort are among the most commonly taken supplements that could interfere with some standard cancer treatments.

More than 300 patients at London's Royal Marsden Hospital completed multiple-choice questionnaires which revealed that over 50% of them took herbal remedies or food supplements or both. The findings were published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Scientists found that fewer than half those taking complementary …