Should Breast Cancer Patients Avoid Soy, Dairy, and Certain Foods?

There is a long list of items we shouldn't be consuming in our standard American diet. Cows are given hormones, growth factor, and steroids. Some items banned outside the USA are still being used for American products. Here is a list for beef and dairy products: Unhealthy Additives in Beef and Dairy Products (U.S.) In Beef Products: 1. Ractopamine (growth promoter) 2. Hormones (rBGH, rBST) (linked to IGF-1 increase) 3. Nitrates/Nitrites (preservatives; potential carcinogens) 4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (flavor enhancer) 5. Sodium Benzoate/Potassium Benzoate (preservatives; benzene risk) 6. Artificial Smoke Flavor (carcinogenic PAHs) 7. Meat Glue (Transglutaminase) (bacterial contamination risk) In Dairy Products: 1. rBGH / rBST (growth hormone; IGF-1 link) 2. Carrageenan (thickener; linked to inflammation) 3. Artificial Flavors and Colors (linked to hyperactivity and other risks) 4. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) (linked to obesity and insulin resistance) 5. Titanium Dioxide (whitening agent; potential carcinogen) 6. Antibiotic Residues (linked to antibiotic resistance)

I had this conversation yesterday with my oncologist. The only medically known item that one should not take is alcohol if your on medications. Advised that u can have foods, etc. but in moderation. I was concerned as everthing has soy in it. Dr. said eat items like fish, chicken, whole grains, no caffiene, vegetables. Hope this helps.

Thank you Pauline. Funny I’ve had no doctor while on this journey even mention any diet restrictions at all. I’ve bumped in to folks that have said they heard soy isn’t good but it’s amazing how loads of food has soy in it, pretty much everything we eat it seems. As for alcohol I haven’t drank any alcohol in probably over 50 years. My mother died of metastatic breast cancer many years ago and she and my dad would have drinks pretty much every day. I’ve thought for many years that likely that was the underlying cause of her breast cancer being diagnosed at only 52 years old. I guess I lucked out and wasn’t diagnosed until 74 which was very early IDC. Hopefully taking Tamoxifen will help prevent spread.

i refused tamoxifen as it can produce uterine cancer, but everyone is different. Friend of mine had it & told me do not take it... I did some research as I have lung issues and settled on exemestane. So many things it can drive ya nuts...

Check out https://pinklotus.com/powerup/drkristifunk/ By Dr Kristi Funk.

Yea I’ve read a fair amount on Tamoxifen possibly causing uterine cancer. I had a radical hysterectomy which included even my cervix when I was 26 years old because of hemorrhaging after my last baby was born and severe endometriosis. The plan was to leave an overy but the surgeon couldn’t find an overy due to loads of cysts and encased in endometriosis so I sure don’t need to worry I’ll develop uterine cancer by taking Tamoxifen. I guess that’s one blessing from having a hysterectomy.

Understanding concerns about diet and hormone-positive breast cancer is completely natural, and these questions about soy, dairy, and other foods come up frequently in the cancer community. The relationship between these foods and HR+ breast cancer can be complex, and current research shows mixed results, which is why it's so important to discuss specific dietary concerns with your oncology team who knows your individual situation best. Many people in this community have navigated similar questions, so hopefully others will share their experiences and what guidance they've received from their medical teams.