Has anyone heard of taking Metformin as a preventative for getting some form of cancers.... I had breast cancer in 2019 (all good now) and I have lost of ton of weight thereby I am now clearly pre-diabetic and was thinking of coming off glucophage once reaching normality. When I discussed this with my cancer surgeon, he suggested that coming off metformin too early might not be so good for me?
Metformin and its impact on cancer
- Thread starter Rachel_Brett
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ianpspurs
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Hi Rachel. Good news about the all good now, weight loss and pre-diabetic. I have heard and read about the link between metformin and possible positive link with cancer formation. That seems to be something for your cancer surgeon rather than we who are not in possession of your medical history. Best wishes for making that decision.
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I think that there is evidence, but Metformin has not been tested and approved for a treatment.
So it can't be prescribed.
Supposed to improve cardiac health as well.
There is some evidence that Metformin may extend life expectancy of some T2s beyond that of non-diabetics.
I have felt uncomfortable in the past that taking Metformin might give me an advantage over my partner, which is not something that you want to do.
So I would listen.
Your surgeon cannot prescribe Metformin to improve your chances of maintaining remission (well done) and guarding against other forms of cancer.
However if you have an excuse to keep taking it I would be inclined to stick with it.
As far as I know it does you no harm and might do you some good.
So it can't be prescribed.
Supposed to improve cardiac health as well.
There is some evidence that Metformin may extend life expectancy of some T2s beyond that of non-diabetics.
I have felt uncomfortable in the past that taking Metformin might give me an advantage over my partner, which is not something that you want to do.
So I would listen.
Your surgeon cannot prescribe Metformin to improve your chances of maintaining remission (well done) and guarding against other forms of cancer.
However if you have an excuse to keep taking it I would be inclined to stick with it.
As far as I know it does you no harm and might do you some good.
BRSBRI
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Hi there -
A few years ago, in conjunction with Cancer Research UK, Professor Adrian Harris conducted a study into this very topic. Link below:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/our-research/researchers/professor-adrian-harris
From what I can gather, the output of his team's particular research was a bit on the fence -
" Conclusion
The research team concluded that it was likely that metformin does change the metabolism of breast cancer cells in some people. They suggest that more trials are done to find out if metformin could be a useful treatment for breast cancer. "
Hope this is of interest and wish you all the best!
PS I'm on 500mg Metformin taken twice a day before breakfast and dinner...hence the interest
A few years ago, in conjunction with Cancer Research UK, Professor Adrian Harris conducted a study into this very topic. Link below:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/our-research/researchers/professor-adrian-harris
From what I can gather, the output of his team's particular research was a bit on the fence -
" Conclusion
The research team concluded that it was likely that metformin does change the metabolism of breast cancer cells in some people. They suggest that more trials are done to find out if metformin could be a useful treatment for breast cancer. "
Hope this is of interest and wish you all the best!
PS I'm on 500mg Metformin taken twice a day before breakfast and dinner...hence the interest
Can I thank everyone for their responses so far. Like everyone here, it is important to get as much information about this before deciding one way or another, so if anyone else has anything to add to the debate, that would be helpful as well.
