Can soya give you cancer?

Question

Hey, my auntie told me soya can give you cancer. This can't be true, can it? The truth please!!! Thanks X

Answer 1

Soya proteins contain isoflavones that can mimic a weak oestrogen effect. It's not the same as the oestrogen your own body makes though - it is 1,000 times weaker than your own body's oestrogen, but it's this that has led to concerns (and rumour) about soya and oestrogen dependent cancer.

In fact there is NO actual scientific evidence that soya causes, prevents, contributes to or affects the progress of any cancer, including oestrogen positive breast cancer, which is the one most often cited. There are those in the field who argue that isoflavones may be of help in preventing breast cancer or be beneficial to women who have had breast cancer.

There is current research into whether increasing phyto oestrogens in the diet helps to prevent breast or prostate cancer, and a study in 2002 found that women with the highest levels of soya products in their diets had the lowest breast density - higher breast density being associated with higher breast cancer risk. This is the first time that soya has been found to have a direct effect on breast tissue.

Women with the highest levels of isoflavones in their diet are reported to have significant risk reductions for uterine cancer.

I have had oestrogen/hormone dependent breast cancer, and have never been cautioned against soya.

Answer 2

According to WikiAnswers:

Soy products have estrogen and increasing your levels of estrogen levels have been linked to some cancers ie. breast cancer.

Anthony.