Soy Consumption and Lung Cancer: Research Findings

Research conducted in recent years has examined the relationship between soy consumption and cancer. In this context, a study conducted with the support of the American National Cancer Institute indicates that soy consumption has beneficial effects on lung cancer. This article will discuss the results of research on the relationship between soy consumption and lung cancer.

Research on Women in China

Research shows that soy consumption reduces the risk of cancer in women, even in China, the country with the highest risk of cancer. A large-scale study of 444 Chinese women with lung cancer, conducted by Gong Yang and colleagues, was examined. The study used questionnaires that recorded the foods the women consumed daily.

According to the study results, while the risk of mortality was %1.8 times higher among women who consumed small amounts of soy, the risk of mortality among women who consumed large amounts of soy decreased by %11. The researchers concluded that consuming large amounts of soy could reduce the risk of lung cancer by %40.

Other Beneficial Effects of Soy Consumption

In addition, other studies show that soy consumption may reduce the risk of other types of cancer. In particular, patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer are advised to consult their doctors before increasing their soy consumption. However, soy consumption may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and alleviate menopausal symptoms.

In the study conducted in China, soy was part of the diet and fewer dairy products were consumed, suggesting that soy itself provided the benefit. Soy contains the phytoestrogen hormone. This may affect the cellular compound also known as estrogen receptor beta. This compound affects the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is known to play an important role in many cases of lung cancer, and may provide benefits through this pathway.

Along with its beneficial effects, soy may also have adverse effects in patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer, particularly because it contains substances similar to the estrogen hormone. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for patients with breast cancer to increase their soy consumption based on this report without consulting their physicians.

It is possible to reduce the risk of cancer at any age. Avoiding smoking, increasing vegetable and fruit consumption, avoiding a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle, and exercising regularly will keep you healthy and greatly reduce your likelihood of developing cancer. Remember! Losing your physical health affects your life in every way.