New information presented at the Annual AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference in Philadelphia, PA, stated that phytoestrogens found in soy may modify or reduce the risk of some forms of breast cancer.
Study on Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer
Ann Weaver of the University of Buffalo and colleagues evaluated the dietary intake of 683 women who had breast cancer and compared their evaluation with the dietary intake of 611 women who were healthy. Soy intake was measured as dietary instead of as supplementation. Results of the study found that women who took the highest amount of soy isoflavones were 30 percent less likely to have an invasive breast tumor and 60 percent less likely of developing a grade 1 tumor.
In relation to women who were premenopausal, those who had the highest intake of soy isoflavones reduced their risk of stage 1 breast cancer by 30 percent and also reduced their risk of developing a tumor larger than 2 centimeters by 70 percent. These women were also 60 percent less likely to develop stage 2 breast cancer. These results were not found in postmenopausal women.
Soy Isoflavones for Menopause Relief
Adding soy to the diet or taking soy isoflavones supplements has been a recommendation to women for many years to help relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Soy helps relieve or decrease the severity of:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Irritability
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
Added soy in the diet is also advantageous for heart and bone health.
Adding Soy to Your Diet
Soy can be added to the diet through food or by supplementation. Soy milk, soy cheese and tofu are just some foods that add soy to the diet. Taking soy isoflavones tablets each day is also beneficial for relieving menopausal symptoms. The recommended daily intake of soy supplements is 40 to 80 milligrams per day; however it is safe to take up to 160 milligrams if symptoms are severe. Always consult your doctor before trying any dietary supplements.