Mushrooms to ward off cancers?

There is some evidence that some mushrooms, like turkey tail, also known as Coriolus versicolor, can help the immune system and may even slow the growth of cancer cells. Although detailed safety data for humans is limited, their long history of use and these findings suggest that turkey tail mushroom is generally safe.

In fact, Mayo Clinic is currently conducting a phase 2 research study on turkey tail mushrooms:
- Turkey Tail Mushroom For Treating Post-Menopausal Women With HER2-Negative ER-Positive Breast Cancer Undergoing Surgery https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20566962

One of my preferred websites for finding evidence-based info about herbs and supplements is Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) complementary therapies database:
– Search About Herbs (cancer specific) https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search

@mogoodwin, when you say "ward off" do you mean to treat cancer or prevent cancer?

Hi! @colleenyoung :

Thanks for posting this interesting research study project! Could you please post any conclusion that they find out when it becomes available, please? By the way, could you please advise on where we can find the best "reliable supplement" for turkey tail mushrooms, please?

Thank you so much for your help!

@colleenyoung I have been taking five defenders and immune defense supplement made of mushrooms at the advice of an herbalist since my diagnosis. I figured it couldn’t hurt so this information is good to hear! I will look into the trial and at this information. It is very interesting.

@lifetraveler, I cannot recommed an effective supplement. That is something I would discuss with your oncologist and/or oncology pharmacist. As your question implies, it is very important to remember that supplements are not regulated and ingredients may vary widely.

@wews, I often worry about the statement "it couldn't hurt" or variations of it. We often assume that because it's natural it can't do any harm. Keep in mind that many medications and supplements are plant based, but also come with mild to serious side effects.

Here's a helpful article from Mayo Clinic:
- Natural vs. safe: Why the two aren't the same https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complementary-alternative-medicine/in-depth/natural-vs-safe-health-remedies/art-20587690

You also want to make sure there are no unwanted interactions with any cancer treatment you may be on.

@wews, have you shared the supplements you are taking with your oncologist or oncology pharmacist?

All of my doctors know it since it is on the list of supplements but I have never had a conversation with my oncologist about being on it. An herbalist who is well respected recommended the one I am taking. I will put the topic on my list for discussion with her.

@colleenyoung I want to add that I am taking letrozole since April 2025. I had ILC stage 1A Grade 2 HR positive and HER- and K 30% no lymph nodes and clean margins. I am trying to eat clean and exercise with weights for bones. I appreciate your comment though since all supplements could interact with other medications and I have several other that I am on. I also see an oncology cardiologist who has put me on zetia and LOsartin to protect my heart since I live in atrial tachycardia and am on eliquis and metoprolol. If you have other insight to share I would appreciate it.

Hi! @colleenyoung :

Thanks again for your valuable information and wise advice:)

I don't know that they would prevent cancer but they are good for the immune system and are high in antioxidants. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer a friend told me about how the turkey tail mushrooms might be helpful. When I researched it, I found information about how it helped with a synergistic effect along with chemo that was given for inflammatory breast cancer. You can read more about it here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4890100/
I didn't end up taking any mushrooms because I wanted to wait and see if what I was prescribed by my oncologist would work alone and it has. I did plan to try mushrooms if the treatment I was given hadn't worked.