Please can you advise if it is safe to eat Flaxseed, Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds after estrogen positive breast cancer. I am on tamoxifen and confused over estrogen being in the above three seeds and whether it is safe to still eat them.
Many thanks
Hi kgiddy
Thanks for your post.
It’s understandable that you want to know if flaxseed, pumpkin seed and sunflower seeds are safe to eat, following a diagnosis of oestrogen positive breast cancer.
Some foods including flaxseed, pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain natural compounds called phytoestrogens. Some people worry whether foods containing phytoestrogens might have the same effect as oestrogen and increase the risk of recurrence. Phytoestrogens are not the same thing as female hormones and don’t affect your body in the same way. Current evidence suggests a diet containing naturally occurring phytoestrogens is safe if you’ve had breast cancer and may be beneficial.
You may be interested to read the recommendations from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) about reducing the risk of cancer and recurrence. They also have a cancer and nutrition helpline you could contact.
You can also call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Katie
Breast Care Nurse
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