Supplements versus food: What the evidence says about cancer prevention

In support of Cancer Prevention Action Week, our webinar will unpack science fact from fiction in regard to the latest evidence on supplements and cancer prevention. It will help health professionals understand where supplements may cause harm, where evidence is lacking, and how to confidently communicate a ‘food-first’ approach while recognising when supplements are clinically appropriate.

Learning objectives:

• Clarify the role of supplements in cancer prevention, including risks
• Understand the evidence base behind the recommendation to avoid supplements for cancer prevention
• Communicate food-first messages confidently and sensitively in practice.
• Be aware of resources that can help you and your patients navigate diet and supplements for cancer prevention.

Content outline:

• What are supplements? Definitions, categories, patterns of use in the UK and current regulations and marketing.
• The WCRF Recommendation: ‘Do not use supplements for cancer prevention.’ The strength of the evidence, the evidence gaps, and examples that highlight variation in findings across different supplements and cancer sites.
• Supplements during cancer management
• Misconceptions: vitamin D, antioxidants, multivitamins, older adults, deficiencies, and specific racial and ethnic groups.
• Practice guidance: when supplements are appropriate, how to support dietary adequacy through food and cultural considerations.
• Q+A session, including Kristina Vavura, RD, MDiet and oncology specialist

Who should attend:

This webinar is ideal for anyone working in primary care, public health, dietetics, nutrition, or community health and wellbeing

Whether your role involves brief interventions or lifestyle conversations, this session will equip you with actionable insights to support cancer prevention.