Pumpkin seed oil after ER+ BC

Dear PippaR

My name is Debra and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community and thanks for posting your question.

I’m sorry to hear about the problems you’re having with your hair post cancer treatment. Whilst this is a common problem, you’re right in saying that opinion is divided about whether pumpkin seed oil is safe for ER+ breast cancer survivors to use.

Here at Macmillan, we don’t have any access to NHS/medical records, so would always advise speaking to your medical team or Nurse specialist before taking any supplements.

Research seems to indicate that pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial for hair loss related to male pattern baldness but less so for women, and may be contraindicated due to the phytoestrogens as this article explains.

This link provides some advice on hair care, and there is advice and support available from the Cancer Hair Care charity, or the  Breast Cancer Now website.

Your medical team or GP may also be able to refer you to a dermatologist specialising in hair loss, who would be able to give further information, advice and guidance.

I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

Best wishes

Debra

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

Hi Debra 

thank you for your reply. I don’t have a medical team or nurse specialist anymore to ask. I have been to the GP about it and referred to dermatology last September but am still waiting for an appointment. Hopefully my appointment will come through soon 

best wishes 

Hi Debra,

Thank you for getting back to us. My name is Luzia and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

Yes, I hope your appointment comes through soon. You might be able to find out from your GP how long the dermatology waiting list is. Speaking to a Boots Macmillan Pharmacist or even your regular pharmacist may be helpful as well.

Please call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your situation. We may then be able to give you further information.

Take care,

Luzia

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. If you think it may be useful to chat things over in real time, we have our webchat service available 7 days a week 8am-8pm.

Ref: LzM/AR