Selenium Cancer Treatment

The effectiveness of taking the mineral selenium for cancer treatment, particularly lung, colorectal and prostate cancer, has been the subject of many studies, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Selenium Definition

Selenium is a trace element that the human body needs and normally gets from food, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Selenium-Rich Foods

Foods that come from plants, including rice, wheat and Brazil nuts, are especially rich in selenium. Other top food sources are meat and seafood.

Cancer-Fighting Antioxidant

Selenium is an antioxidant, which is a substance that may protect cells against molecules called free radicals. These can damage cells and may cause heart disease, cancer and other diseases, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Tumor Inhibitor

Selenium may also prevent or slow tumor growth associated with cancer, reports the NIH.

Prostate Cancer Study

The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial was discontinued in October 2008. The study showed that taking the supplements did not prevent prostate cancer.

References

• National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Suppments: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Selenium
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Antioxidants

Resources

• National Cancer Institute: Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial