In some animal studies, rodents that were exposed to high doses of compounds found in soy called isoflavones showed an increased risk of breast cancer. This is thought to be because the isoflavones in soy can act like estrogen in the body, and increased estrogen has been linked to certain types of breast cancer.
Does soy really cause breast cancer?
The idea that soy can lead to breast cancer began with several animal studies conducted in the 1990s. These studies showed that the compound in soy (called isoflavones) stimulated the growth of tumors in mice implanted with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells.
You see, Myth: If you have or had breast cancer, avoid all soy foods. Just as eating a moderate amount of whole soy doesn’t make you more likely to get breast cancer, it also doesn’t seem to raise your risk for recurrence. “Still, I’d recommend that breast cancer patients avoid soy supplements,” Millstine says.
Is soy OK to eat with breast cancer?
Prostate and breast cancer rates are lower in Asian countries where soy foods are a regular part of an overall healthy diet. Soy in natural food form such as tofu, edamame and soy milk is safe for consumption, even for people with a cancer diagnosis. Cancer patients do not need to eliminate all sources of soy food from their diet.
Is soy milk bad for cancer?
” is a common question among cancer survivors. On one hand, consuming soy foods like edamame, tofu and unsweetened soy milk have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and gastric cancer.
Does soy increase your risk of cancer?
The variety of study outcomes may reflect influences that differ by the type of soy food, time of life they are consumed, the type of cancer, and individual differences in genetics, gut microbiota or overall diet. Consistent findings from population studies indicate no increased risk for breast cancer survivors who consume soyfoods.
Yes, soy mimics estrogen and estrogen is linked to some hormonally active cancers, but that does not mean that soy itself is linked to cancer. “There has been concern over the years regarding soy consumption and development or recurrence of breast cancer, and the basis for this concern is isoflavones, a compound in soy with a similar chemical.
Can eating soy products affect breast health?
These studies on humans have not confirmed a link between eating natural soy and developing breast cancer. In fact, some actually dispute it and even suggest a protective effect. For example, one 2010 study found no association between phytoestrogen consumption (which includes soy products) and an increased risk for breast cancer.
Is soy bad for you, or good?
There is evidence that soy lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol slightly, and soy’s fiber and antioxidants are heart-healthy. Consider a soy-based meal once a week in place of meat, but use caution with meat alternatives such as soy crumbles, burgers, or sausage, as these often have a lot of added salt.