Recent findings from a meta-analysis co-led by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center suggest that isoflavones, a type of compound found in soy, can significantly decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The study, published in the JNCI Cancer Spectrum journal, examined 22 observational studies on the effects of soybeans, lignans, cruciferous vegetables, and green tea on breast cancer recurrence and mortality.
The studies reviewed included investigations into the impact of soy isoflavones, cruciferous vegetables, green tea, lignans, and enterolactone, a compound produced when lignans are digested. The meta-analysis indicated a 26% reduction in the risk of breast cancer recurrence associated with soy isoflavones, with the most significant results observed among post-menopausal survivors. However, the effect of soy consumption on mortality risk was smaller and not statistically significant.
Another significant finding was the positive effect of enterolactone, a compound metabolized from lignans. High levels of lignans are found in a wide range of plants including seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The study found that enterolactone reduced the risk of breast cancer-specific mortality by 28% and death from any cause by 31%, particularly in post-menopausal women.
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org