Research by the National Cancer Institute says that people who take 100–200 mg of curcumin every day have lower chances of breast, bowel, stomach, and skin cancer, according to Hindustan Times. These lower cancer rates are seen in countries where curcumin intake is common in daily food.
Curcumin and cancer protection
Surgical oncologist Dr Saurabh Kumar Arora explains that curcumin can slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. “Curcumin can slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells. It works by blocking certain chemicals that help cancer progress,” says Dr Arora. Curcumin is especially helpful during chemotherapy and radiotherapy because it can make cancer cells more sensitive to these treatments.
This increased sensitivity can improve how well standard cancer treatments work. Dr Arora says curcumin works as a strong antioxidant that protects healthy cells during cancer treatment. “First, it acts as a strong antioxidant, which protects healthy cells from the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” he explains, as noted by Hindustan Times.
Curcumin also helps reduce side effects caused by cancer treatments. The compound helps stop healthy cells from turning into cancer cells by blocking harmful chemicals in the body. “Curcumin is an integral part of cancer prevention; even if cancer has already developed, it can slow down tumour growth and stop cancer from spreading to other organs,” says the Dr Saurabh.
Curcumin and pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat. A research journal called Foods suggests curcumin may help fight pancreatic cancer. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that curcumin reduces substances like NF-κB, COX-2, and IL-6, as coited by Hindustan Times. These substances are known to promote pancreatic cancer growth and spread in the body. By reducing these substances, curcumin may slow tumour growth and prevent cancer from spreading.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers curcumin safe for consumption. This makes curcumin a reliable addition to a daily diet. A safety study published in Phytotherapy Research says curcumin is well tolerated and has very few side effects. Dr Saurabh Kumar Arora advises taking 500–2,000 mg of curcumin daily for health benefits, as stated in the report by Hindustan Times. Getting this amount from raw turmeric alone can be difficult. Because of this, curcumin supplements or capsules may be a practical option. Doctors recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially for long-term use. Experts say turmeric and curcumin should support cancer treatment, not replace medical therapies. They work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle, including balanced food, regular exercise, and stress control.
FAQs
Q1. Can turmeric help in cancer treatment?
Yes, turmeric contains curcumin, which may help slow cancer growth and support treatments like chemotherapy, as doctors explain.
Q2. Is it safe to take curcumin every day?
Yes, curcumin is considered safe by the FDA and is usually well tolerated when taken in the right amount.