Soy foods, rather than being harmful to breast cancer patients, may actually be protective.

Phytoestrogens found in soy foods are thought to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women. However, there has been some concern that the estrogen-like effects of soy isoflavones might not be good for breast cancer patients. In a study of over 5000 female breast cancer survivors in China, those who consumed the most tofu, soy milk, and fresh soy beans had a 29% lower mortality rate and 32% less recurrence compared to those who ate the least soy foods. This was seen in both estrogen receptor positive and negative tumors, as well as early and late stage cancer.

PositiveTip: Soy foods are safe for patients with breast cancer and may offer some protection from recurrence.