I’ve some issues of bladder urgency. A company called ‘Jude’ promotes a supplement containing pumpkin seed oil and phytoestrogens. I’m wondering about the safety of taking (relatively high dose) phytoestrogens after having had an er+ bc. I was treated by surgery and 5 days radiotherapy last year for an early grade 2 bc. Now taking letrozole. Advice welcome!
Hi Cosmos1
Thanks for your post.
Information about certain foods or supplements and breast cancer can often be conflicting, and confusing. So it is understandable that you are concerned about the safety of taking a new supplement to help with your bladder urgency.
Many plant based foods, such as some types of beans, 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 for those who have had oestrogen sensitive breast cancer like yourself. 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. In fact, evidence suggests that a diet containing phytoestrogens if a person has had breast cancer is safe, and may be beneficial.
However, the safety of supplements containing phytoestrogens, such as the one containing pumpkin seed oil you have mentioned, is yet to be established, so it is important to speak with your treatment team or pharmacist before taking any supplements.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre provides information about herbs, botanicals and other products/ dietary supplements.
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 more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters so if language translation is required you can also call 0808 800 6000
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Best wishes
Natasha
Breast Care Nurse
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