Soya-based foods & breast cancer
At least one-third of women at high risk for breast cancer
regularly consume soy-based foods, but this may not be a good
idea, researchers say. While the benefits of soy consumption for
cardiovascular health have been confirmed, there is no evidence
that soy foods improve breast health, particularly in non-Asian
women, Dr Carolyn Y. Fang of the Fox Chance Cancer Centre in
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, and colleagues note.
In fact, they point out in an article in the Journal of the
American Dietetic Association, there is some evidence that high
soy consumption could actually increase breast cancer risk among
US women. "Given that high levels of soy intake might increase
breast cancer risk, our findings highlight the need for clear,
consistent messages regarding the health benefits or risks of
consuming soy foods, particularly in the context of cancer
risk," said Fang and her team.