Compounds found in plants hinder the recurrence of breast cancer
Breast cancer survivors may find solace in new research suggesting natural compounds from soy and other plants could potentially help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival rates. The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center led a review of 22 studies examining the impact of specific phytonutrients on breast cancer recurrence and mortality.
One of the most promising findings is related to soy isoflavones, which were linked with a 26% reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence in post-menopausal survivors. The greatest risk reduction was seen at 60 milligrams of soy per day, which equals two to three daily servings. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk contain these beneficial compounds.
Another substance, enterolactone, formed in the gut by the digestion of lignans, was found to reduce breast cancer-specific mortality by 28% and overall mortality by 31%. Lignans are found in a variety of plants, with high levels in flaxseeds, cashews, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and some berries.
Green tea consumption may have a significant impact on reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 44% in women with stage I or II breast cancer. However, the consumption of lignans by premenopausal women suggests an increased risk of mortality, indicating the effect may depend on the hormonal environment.
The researchers emphasize that these compounds should not be considered alternatives to treatment and must be balanced as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
Channing Paller, senior study author and director of prostate cancer clinical research at Johns Hopkins University, stresses the need for more robust studies to determine the most effective dosages of these compounds and whether consuming them after diagnosis has the same effect as a lifelong dietary habit before diagnosis.
The full evidence suggesting the use of soy isoflavones and lignans in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality is still emerging and somewhat uncertain. More research is needed to fully understand their effects, but integrating these phytoestrogens into a balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle is generally considered safe and may offer additional health benefits.
- The possible benefits of soy isoflavones in breast cancer survivors extend to a reduced risk of recurrence by 26%, particularly when consuming 60 milligrams daily, found in studies led by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
- Enterolactone, a compound formed in the gut by the digestion of lignans, was found to decrease breast cancer-specific mortality by 28% and overall mortality by 31% in these studies, as found in various plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, cashews, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and some berries.
- Green tea consumption might lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 44% in women with stage I or II breast cancer, according to the research, but lignan consumption among premenopausal women may suggest an increased risk of mortality, emphasizing the potential dependency of effects on hormonal environment.
