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.