Ask the Doctor: Soy And Breast Cancer

Posted on Oct 4, 2014 in My Cancer Type

Q:  I’m a 3 year survivor of estrogen sensitive breast cancer. I read conflicting news about soy. Should I eat soy or avoid it?

A: When we review all the large nutritional studies together, the conclusion is clear. Soy does not increase the risk of recurrence for any type of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors do not need to avoid soy. For an excellent review of the science, read this article by naturopathic oncologist Dr. Tina Kaczor. 

So, the choice of whether or not to eat soy is up to you. If you do eat soy, choose organic to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Click here for a GMO-free shopping guide. Fermented soy, such as miso or tempeh, may be more beneficial than unfermented soy. Also, if you have hypothyroidism, soy may worsen it. Stay away from sugary “energy bars” with added soy protein. Junk with protein added is still junk.