Breast cancer can strike women of all ages, although those who are older in age tend to experience a higher rate of affliction. A recent study that was conducted at the University of Buffalo has found a link between soy and breast cancer. The isoflavones found in soy may be able to decrease the risk of certain forms of breast cancer. The link seems to be due to the fact that isoflavones are physoestrogens, or a type of hormone that helps the body regulate itself. One of the researchers, Anne Weaver, believes that certain findings indicate that menopause may have an effect on a woman’s risk of eventually developing breast cancer.
In this study regarding soy and breast cancer, 683 women who had already contracted the disease were compared to a control group of 611 women who did not have breast cancer. They were broken up into three groups, and given different levels of isoflavones. The group who had the highest intake of isoflavones had the best results, reducing their risk of developing a breast tumor by 30 percent. They also managed to decrease their risk of a grade 1 tumor by 60 percent, which is a significant impact.
Another factor that has been mentioned in this study is the age of the participants. Women who were premenopausal and took in the highest levels of isoflavones fared the best, with a 60 percent less risk of developing heightened breast cancer. Yet the effects were not as dramatic in those women who had already gone through menopause. This indicates that although there may be a link between soy and breast cancer, with the isoflavones found in soy lowering the risk of cancer development, this is negated by menopause. Younger women may be encouraged to take in a higher level of soy as a result.
Because over 191,400 women are diagnosed with some form of breast cancer each year, it’s vital to look into this link between soy and breast cancer in order to make a real difference in cancer rates before it’s too late. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have put out these rates, which are consistent each year. There may be different remedies that help more after menopause has already set in. Because menopause is associated with hormone fluctuations, the hormones found naturally in isoflavones are not as helpful at this stage.
The link between soy and breast cancer is something that has been debated for many years now, with some researchers linking a diet high in soy to the development of breast cancer. Studies such as this one state the exact opposite. It’s best for women who are concerned about their soy intake at each stage of life to look into these natural remedies for breast cancer, and to stay up to date with the latest research in order to figure out what is a safe level of consumption, and what can actually help prevent cancer.