Thursday, February 16, 2012
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Friday, June 06, 2008 joyce asks

Q: why is it bad for someone who is taking tomaxifon to eat foods containing soya?

why is it bad for someone who is taking tomaxifon to eat foods with  soya?

Answer This
Answers (3)
6/ 6/08 3:51pm

Joyce, there are a lot of mixed messages about this. My oncologist says it's OK, so long as you don't make it a ridiculously HUGE part of your diet. The estrogens in soy are a different kid than what's in your body. What's NOT OK is to take those "natural" hot flash treatments that have "soy extract" - that's actually bad for you. Soy in its natural, whole state (soy milk, tofu, etc.) is OK; soy broken down into soy extracts, soy isolate, etc. is NOT good. - PJH

Reply
6/ 6/08 12:37pm

Soy contains natural plant estrogen, so if your cancer is er/pr+ you definitely want to avoid soy products and most herbal remedies as the ingredients often have affects on this type of cancer as well.

 

Hope this helps!

Angi

Reply
6/ 6/08 11:37pm

PJ's right about the mixed messages, which is why it's probably best to see what your doctor's thoughts are about it.

 

I just know from my own personal experience with half a dozen oncologists that have told me to avoid soy and herbal products as if they were the plauge.  Not sure why there is so many mixed messages on this subject, but with time all things pertaining to cancer changes as new studies and reports come out.  Some doctors are old school, and some very up to the minute on research,

 

For me, I just find it easier avoiding all of it, that way I have no worries and no lectures from the doc = )

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.