3 years Post treatment for throat cancer - is it ok to take daily collagen supplement?

Dear Blod,

Thank you for getting in touch, and welcome back to our online community.  My name is Lisa, and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.   I can see that you also belong to both our head and neck cancer forum and  travel insurance forum.  I hope that you are finding these forums supportive and a way to share experiences.  It’s also wonderful to hear that you’re three years post treatment for throat cancer.

It's understandable to want to support your health.  While it may be safe for you to take collagen supplements, there isn’t strong scientific evidence that collagen supplements provide specific benefits or possible risks for people after having had treatment for cancer, and claims about their effects are often not supported by research. 

We do have information about supplements in general, but not specifically about collagen.  I have searched for more specific information but only found information from sites based in the United States, such as the MD Anderson Cancer Centre, and their information has been medically reviewed.  

Because every person’s health situation is different, it’s always safest to check with your oncology team or GP before starting any daily supplements, including collagen.  They can give guidance based on your personal health and treatment history, as we wouldn’t have this information because we aren’t part of the NHS. 

I hope that you’ve found this information helpful.  Please do feel free to get back in touch with us if there is anything further we can help you with or if you have any other concerns.  You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts.  Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) or send us an email.

Take care and best wishes,

Lisa R

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/JF/LiR