My cancer was a stage three estrogen positive cancer. I am nit sure what is safe to eat, best to avoid. I am also a vegetarian but many vegetarian products contain soy. Also I have not cracked open an egg to eat in two years as I am not have too much estrogen in it. I thought about eating meat again for its protein.But it is a mammal and therefore has estrogen. Can you help me out on this?
Hi beyond
Thanks for posting.
Information about certain foods and breast cancer can often be conflicting, and confusing and it’s understandable that you want to know as much as possible about what type of foods might be best for after treatment for breast cancer.
You mention that you have a vegetarian diet but are concerned about consuming soy. Many plant-based foods, such as some types of beans (including soy), nuts, seeds, peas, and a variety of fruits, vegetable and cereal products, contain phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant substances that have a chemical structure similar to the female hormone oestrogen, which is why there has been concern about its safety. But phytoestrogens are not the same thing as female hormones and don’t affect the body in the same way.
There isn’t any evidence to suggest a moderate amount of naturally occurring phytoestrogens in a person’s diet is harmful or that a diet containing moderate amounts of these foods affect a person’s cancer risk.
However, the safety of supplements containing phytoestrogens is yet to be established, so it is important to speak with a health care professional before taking any supplements.
Eggs contain small amounts of oestrogens and phytoestrogens although not in a sufficient quantity to affect hormone levels. In the UK the use of hormones in meat production is prohibited in line with EU legislation.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) have information about how diet, nutrition and exercise affect breast cancer both during and after treatment which you may find helpful.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has information about soya products including a section on soya foods and health and a link to diet.
You may be interested in the information we produce about diet and breast cancer, and a healthy well-balanced diet and our recent video on questions and myths about diet and breast cancer may also be helpful.
Do 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
Julie
Breast Care Nurse
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