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Eating Soy Early In Life May Help Prevent Breast Cancer
U.S. Newswire
21 Oct 15:31
Eating Soy Early In
Life May Help Prevent Breast Cancer, Says United
Soybean Board
To: National Desk
Contact: Michelle Babb, 253-951-5286, for the United Soybean
Board (c/o Publicis Dialog)
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21 /U.S. Newswire/ --
When it comes to
incorporating soy into the diet to ward off breast cancer, it
appears that timing is everything. In a presentation at the
American Dietetic Association's 2002 Food & Nutrition Conference,
Dr. Mark Messina cited two studies that suggest eating soy as a
teenager may have a significant impact in reducing the risk of
breast cancer.
"Results from a case-control study in
Shanghai showed that those
who consumed 11 grams of soy per day between the ages of 13 and 15
were 50 percent less likely to develop breast cancer as adults,"
said Messina. Another study showed that women consuming soy in
their younger years and also in adulthood had a 35 percent reduced
risk of breast cancer. These findings are extremely important for
women in the United States, where breast cancer rates are among the
highest in the world. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer deaths in U.S. females.
Messina summarized by saying, "While
more research is needed,
there is reason to believe that soy, as part of a healthy diet for
teenage girls may help them avoid breast cancer later in life."
Messina also addressed the latest
controversy surrounding
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and increased breast cancer risk.
In July 2002, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) halted an HRT
study when researchers found a 26 percent increase in breast cancer
risk among the group of women taking estrogen plus progestin. Many
women use HRT to help prevent heart disease and osteoporosis in
addition to relieving menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.
Messina talked about soy as a natural alternative for women who are
concerned about HRT.
According to Messina, soy can help
address many of the issues
that menopausal and post-menopausal women are facing without
increasing the risk of breast cancer. "The heart-health benefits
of soy protein are well established," said Messina, " additionally,
new research suggests soy may be as beneficial as HRT for promoting
bone health." Controlling hot flashes is another important
concern for menopausal women, and a review of 18 trials suggests
that soy is likely to decrease hot flashes by 15 to 20 percent
above placebo in women experiencing frequent hot flashes.
"It's important for women who are
concerned about breast cancer
risk associated with HRT to have dietary options and natural
alternatives that can help them manage menopausal symptoms," said
Jennifer Weber, registered dietitian with the Soyfoods Association
of North America. "The numerous health benefits associated with soy
make it a viable option for many women."
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