Soy & Breast Cancer
Soy products are excellent sources for protein and are a good alternative to animal meat.
It has long been thought that soy products may be a risk for women with breast cancer because soybeans contain phytoestrogens.
- However, there is no evidence to support this.
In 2006, a meta-analysis of 18 studies including 9000 women showed a modest decrease risk of breast cancer in women who frequently consumed soy products.
In the most recent published study from Shanghai (JAMA. 2009; 302:2437-2443) that included more than 5000 women with history of breast cancer, dietary soy intake :
- was found to reduce the risk of breast cancer relapse by approximately 30%.
- This was evident among women with either estrogen receptor–positive or –negative breast cancer
- This was also evident among both users and nonusers of tamoxifen
Current research indicates that breast cancer survivors can safely eat soy foods for 1-3 servings daily.
- Emphasize whole or traditional soy foods such as:
- Edamame
- dry soybean
- soy nuts
- soymilk
- tofu
- tempeh.
1 serving: 8 oz of soymilk, 4 oz of tofu, ½ cup edamame
Other food and nutrition topics:
- Cooking oil
- Dietary fat
- Dietary fiber
- Omega 3 fatty acid
- Organic healthy food
- Preserved food
- Red meat
- Soy products
- Sugar
- Vegetarian diet guideline
- Vitamin D
- Other resources
