As a breast cancer patient I have to say, that the many articles that people write about what diet are best for those with breast cancer are quite contradicting and confusing. I think it should be some kind of control where the information is checked before posting any article, just like the
food safety and sanitation is controlled by the FDA. My oncology Dr. told me to avoid at all cost soy milk and products. Regardless of all the disclaimers always posted with these articles, the bottom line is that this is not a game and yet, you play with people’s life with all the confusing information.
Alicia, writers for websites like HealthCentral report the research we read in various scientific studies. The reason you read contradictory reports is because the scientific studies often come up with confusing results. So much depends on the size of the study, the types of health issues faced by the people in the study, and way the researchers interpret their findings. The soy issue is still controversial. Some researchers believe that weaker plant estrogens may help to prevent breast cancer. The low incidence of breast cancer in countries where there is a high consumption of soy products helps to support this point of view. Others believe that consuming any form of estrogen is a bad idea, especially for women who have an estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Following your own doctor's recommendation is what you should do. Your doctor knows the details of your medical history.
Phyllis states our position extremely well, Alicia. My own oncologist says there's no problem with me eating soy or drinking soy milk; and he practices at one of the country's top cancer centers. New information that contradicts older information is common; and the only sure thing is that what we know will continue to change and evolve. By all means, follow your doctor's advice; just be aware that there's no single oncologist who has THE answer to any of the many questions surrounding cancer. Best of luck to you - PJH
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I was told by my oncologist that soy was not for people that are hormone positive..It can cause reacurrance. I sure wouldn't want to play with it...
Latest info. I've seen is that genistein, one of the components of soy, may be harmful when ingested in its "not natural" state (e.g., when manufacturers use it as an additive in OTC remedies for hot flashes, for instance); but that natural soy won't feed estrogen-based breast cancer, and is safe to eat. Differing opinions out there, clearly; do what feels right to you. PJH