Researchers Find Link Between Soy And Reduced Breast Cancer Risk

Researchers at Georgetown University have released the results of their investigation into the health potential of the isoflavone genistein occurring in soy. Specifically, since genistein is known to activate estrogen receptors in women, scientists Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, Juan E. Andrade, and William Helferich studied the relationship between genistein consumption and the onset of breast cancer and the recurrence of breast cancer in survivors. The team found that a diet of moderate soy intake throughout life was found to lower the risk of breast cancer, although this could relate to soy intake in the early years, and does not appear to increase the risk of recurrence. For Asian women, continued soy intake could provide breast cancer with a better prognosis. The researchers say that more work is needed to identify the link between soy consumption in early life and reduced risk of breast cancer and recurrence.