A number of scientific studies suggest a link between soy consumption and reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast1 and prostate.2In Asian populations, which have traditionally consumed soyfoods for centuries, many researchers have noted lower rates of breast cancer. 3 More research is needed to draw firm conclusions about soy and beneficial cancer effects. However, today’s medical and nutrition communities recognize soyfoods like soymilk as a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.
Myth: Soy is not safe for breast cancer patients and survivors.
In fact, the American Cancer Society confirms that breast cancer patients can consume soyfoods regularly.4
References
1. Wu AH, Yu MC, Tseng CC, Pike MC. Epidemiology of soy exposures and breast cancer risk. Br J Cancer. 2008 Jan 15;98:9-14.
2. Yan L, Spitznagel EL. Soy consumption and prostate cancer risk in men: a revisit of a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Feb 11.
3. Pisani P, Bray F, Parkin DM. Estimates of the world-wide prevalence of cancer for 25 sites in the adult population. Int J Cancer. 2002 Jan 1;97:72-81.
4. Doyle C et al. Nutrition and physical activity during and after cancer treatment: an American Cancer Society guide for informed choices. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006 Nov-Dec;56:323-53.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Soy may be associated with reduced risk of certain cancers.
A number of scientific studies suggest a link between soy consumption and reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast1 and prostate.2In Asian populations, which have traditionally consumed soyfoods for centuries, many researchers have noted lower rates of breast cancer. 3 More research is needed to draw firm conclusions about soy and beneficial cancer effects. However, today’s medical and nutrition communities recognize soyfoods like soymilk as a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.
Myth: Soy is not safe for breast cancer patients and survivors.
In fact, the American Cancer Society confirms that breast cancer patients can consume soyfoods regularly.4
References
1. Wu AH, Yu MC, Tseng CC, Pike MC. Epidemiology of soy exposures and breast cancer risk. Br J Cancer. 2008 Jan 15;98:9-14.
2. Yan L, Spitznagel EL. Soy consumption and prostate cancer risk in men: a revisit of a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Feb 11.
3. Pisani P, Bray F, Parkin DM. Estimates of the world-wide prevalence of cancer for 25 sites in the adult population. Int J Cancer. 2002 Jan 1;97:72-81.
4. Doyle C et al. Nutrition and physical activity during and after cancer treatment: an American Cancer Society guide for informed choices. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006 Nov-Dec;56:323-53.