Although soy protein is a healthy alternative to meat, may decrease your risk for high cholesterol and osteoporosis and could help with menopause symptoms, any connection regarding soy and cancer is not clear. Some studies show that a diet high in soy has a beneficial effect on cancer risk, while others show it to have no effect or to increase your risk in certain instances. More research is needed to clear up this issue.
Breast Cancer
Soy contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which act similarly to estrogen in the body, and may reduce the risk for breast cancer, especially in women who consume soy before menopause and do not have estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Phytoestrogens are weaker than estrogens, and may take the place of estrogen in estrogen receptors, lowering breast cancer risk. However, overly high levels of soy consumption may occur with supplement, as it is not clear whether this might increase the risk of breast cancer. Some doctors recommend that women who have had estrogen receptor positive breast cancer avoid all soy products, while others allow these products to be consumed once or twice a week.
Prostate Cancer
Consuming soy products regularly may decrease your risk for prostate cancer, with evidence showing that this may reduce both the risk of developing prostate cancer and the risk of dying from prostate cancer, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Soy inhibits prostate cancer cell growth, at least in laboratory studies, but the results of human studies are less clear-cut.
Considerations
Much of the research showing the beneficial effects of consuming soy products on the risk of developing cancer have been either population-based studies or laboratory studies. The results from clinical studies are not as clear-cut, although some studies have shown small but significant decreases in breast or prostate cancer risk with the consumption of soy products.
Recommendations
Soy consumption may interfere with some medications used for cancer, so speak with your doctor before eating soy products if you are taking this type of medication. Consuming two or three servings of soy products per day as part of a healthy diet is fine for most people, as soybeans are a good source of protein, fiber and other nutrients. However, soy supplements are not recommended, and there isn't enough evidence to recommend consuming more soy to lower breast or prostate cancer risk.
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