Important. People who want to invest in a holistic approach should discuss this with their doctor and choose therapists who have experience working with people with cancer. Self-treatment is not recommended. The following approaches may be suitable when used in addition medical treatment, and not as a replacement of these. Delaying or interrupting medical treatment decreases the chances of remission. Consult our Cancer file to find out about all the approaches that have been studied in people with cancer.

Are foods rich in phytoestrogens (soy, flax seeds) safe for women who have had breast cancer?

Phytoestrogens are molecules of plant origin which chemically resemble estrogens produced by humans. They include two main families: isoflavones, especially present in soybeans and lignanes, of which flax seeds are the best food source.

Could these substances stimulate the growth of hormone-dependent cancer? At the time of writing, the debate is still open. Experiments carried out in vitro indicate that these substances can indeed stimulate the estrogen receptors of tumor cells. They can also interfere with hormonal treatments for breast cancer, such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin). However, after analyzing the scientific data available in humans, experts believe that a moderate food consumption soy is safe for women at risk for or survivors of breast cancer^14,15.

For her part, nutritionist Hélène Baribeau advises women with breast cancer as well as those who have already suffered from it.to avoid to consume foods rich in phytoestrogens, as a precaution.

It should be noted that in prevention, in non-infected women, a diet rich in isoflavones seems to protect against breast cancer. For more information, see our Isoflavones sheet.