Healthy Living: The link between soy cancer

A friend of my father recently asked about the link between soy and breast cancer risk. This is a question that is often asked too. Below, I've included a general overview of the nutritional aspects of soybeans, as well as my findings regarding the potential link between soy and breast cancer risk.

Soy is a widely grown crop in America. According to USDA estimates, 4.54 billion bushels of soybeans were produced in the United States in 2018. Soybean fields are found throughout much of Missouri, and soybeans are present in many foods. . On the nutritional side, soy is a good source of protein and fiber. Soymilk contains similar amounts of protein, fat, energy, calcium and vitamin D compared to skim milk, and is safe for people who are lactose intolerant. Soy also contains phytoestrogens, which are natural substances with a chemical structure similar to estrogen. Specifically, phytoestrogens found in soy are called isoflavones. Some breast cancers are estrogen-sensitive, which has sparked a lot of theoretical debate about the safety of soy products for people at risk of breast cancer, people living with or having survived breast cancer.

According to UpToDate, a widely used clinical reference guide, "there is low-quality evidence that Western women's soy-rich diets prevent breast cancer." Regarding breast cancer survivors, a separate article from UpToDate states: "There is no convincing evidence that soy affects the risk of breast cancer. [breast cancer] recurrence. "In addition, the article says that moderate consumption of soy is generally suggested.

The facts and figures 2017-18 of the American Cancer Society regarding breast cancer indicate that soy consumption could reduce the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society's web page on the effects of diet on breast cancer risk explains more and more research indicating that the consumption of traditional soy foods (by example, tofu) could reduce the risks of breast, prostate and endometrial cancer, some other cancers. For women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the evidence on taking soy supplements or isoflavones on cancer is unclear.

With respect to other dietary habits and the risk of breast cancer, early studies have shown that consumption of hormone-treated cow's milk may be linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. However, subsequent studies have not shown a clear link. At present, the link between milk consumption and cancer risk is not clear. It has long been said that "sugar feeds cancer", which is inaccurate. All cells use sugar in the blood to produce energy. Consuming more sugar does not slow the growth of cancer cells, nor eat less sugar.

Overall, my motto remains: moderation in all things. This includes soy foods, which are supposed to be protective against breast cancer, dairy products and foods containing sugar.

References include "Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2017-2018" from Dr. Wendy Chen's UpToDate article of March 2019, "Factors That Change the Risk of Breast Cancer in Women," article in April. 2019 from Dr. Kathryn Ruddy's UpToDate "Patient Approach After Treatment for Breast Cancer", Stacy Simon's October 2018 article from the American Cancer Society, "How Your Diet Can Affect Your Risk Breast Cancer, "" USDA Soybean Production by Year, US "site of the organization.

Lynn Eaton R.D., L.D., CDE is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator. She works at the Capital Region Medical Center as a hospital and outpatient dietitian.