Expert, Mark Messina, was interviewed in the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group Newsletter recently. His recommendation for breast cancer patients re: soy is as follows. “First, the current default position of most oncologists to advise their breast cancer patients against using soy is no longer justified. Second, there is insufficient evidence to actively recommend soyfoods solely for the purpose of improving prognosis. Third, oncologists should allow women who consume soyfoods and develop breast cancer to continue consuming soy and should allow their patients who want to begin consuming soy, for whatever reason, to do so.”
Another expert, Dr. Stephen Barnes, provided these points.
- Isoflavones given in the diet in animal models of breast cancer inhibit the appearance of carcinogen-induced mammary tumors, BUT only if given prior to puberty.
- Diet (and exercise) early in life may have an important role in determining the risk of adult br. cancer.
There is very little information on chia and breast cancer. Chia is high in omega 3 from ALA like flax. Like soy, evidence is inconclusive.