Menu
23/09/2004
Soy-rich foods could reduce spread of breast cancer
Eating more soy-rich foods could reduce the spread of breast cancer, a new study from the University of Ulster has revealed.
In a School of Biomedical Sciences study on the effects of a group of dietary compounds, researchers linked soy foods with a reduced breast cancer risk.
The findings seemed to indicate that eating a soy rich products such as soy milk, soy drinks and desserts, could have an important role in preventing the spread of cancer cells in the body. Scientists believe that the soy, which contains naturally occurring hormone-like compounds called isoflavones, act as an inhibitent to breast cancer development.
Report author, Dr Pamela Magee said: “Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in the Western world, with 950 women in Northern Ireland alone suffering from the disease per year.
“But among South-East Asian populations, and in areas where soy products are traditionally consumed in high amounts in the diet, incidence of breast cancer is low.
She added: "In our study we used cell cultures to examine the effects of isoflavones on the invasion of breast cancer cells. The isoflavones exerted potent inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell invasion, even at concentrations similar to those found in South East-Asian populations."
Dr Magee said that further studies in human volunteers were now needed to confirm whether soy isoflavones will protect against breast cancer spread in patients.
“Although recent advances have been made in tumour detection and treatment, the spread of cancer remains a significant cause of mortality," Dr Magee said.
"The invasion of cancerous cells from their site of origin into the neighbouring environment enables cancerous cells to travel and grow at new sites within the body. Any agent, therefore, which can prevent the invasive process could become a powerful tool in the prevention of cancer spread," she concluded.
(MB/GMCG)
In a School of Biomedical Sciences study on the effects of a group of dietary compounds, researchers linked soy foods with a reduced breast cancer risk.
The findings seemed to indicate that eating a soy rich products such as soy milk, soy drinks and desserts, could have an important role in preventing the spread of cancer cells in the body. Scientists believe that the soy, which contains naturally occurring hormone-like compounds called isoflavones, act as an inhibitent to breast cancer development.
Report author, Dr Pamela Magee said: “Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in the Western world, with 950 women in Northern Ireland alone suffering from the disease per year.
“But among South-East Asian populations, and in areas where soy products are traditionally consumed in high amounts in the diet, incidence of breast cancer is low.
She added: "In our study we used cell cultures to examine the effects of isoflavones on the invasion of breast cancer cells. The isoflavones exerted potent inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell invasion, even at concentrations similar to those found in South East-Asian populations."
Dr Magee said that further studies in human volunteers were now needed to confirm whether soy isoflavones will protect against breast cancer spread in patients.
“Although recent advances have been made in tumour detection and treatment, the spread of cancer remains a significant cause of mortality," Dr Magee said.
"The invasion of cancerous cells from their site of origin into the neighbouring environment enables cancerous cells to travel and grow at new sites within the body. Any agent, therefore, which can prevent the invasive process could become a powerful tool in the prevention of cancer spread," she concluded.
(MB/GMCG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 December 2013
NI Highest Breast Cancer Survival In UK
Northern Ireland has the highest breast cancer survival rates in the UK and Ireland, according to research by Queen's University. The data for Northern Ireland was provided by the Queen’s Northern Ireland Cancer Registry to the EUROCARE 5 study. The research is part of a European-wide study into cancer survival rates.
NI Highest Breast Cancer Survival In UK
Northern Ireland has the highest breast cancer survival rates in the UK and Ireland, according to research by Queen's University. The data for Northern Ireland was provided by the Queen’s Northern Ireland Cancer Registry to the EUROCARE 5 study. The research is part of a European-wide study into cancer survival rates.
10 October 2011
Pink Lady Backs NI Cancer Research
A Saintfield woman, Noleen Adair, who knows about cancer, having discovered she had breast cancer at 22 to be faced with radical surgery and chemotherapy has been fundraising. Noleen refuses to put her life on hold and now, the charity she founded to help others facing breast cancer has presented a dazzling £50,000 to Friends of The Cancer Centre.
Pink Lady Backs NI Cancer Research
A Saintfield woman, Noleen Adair, who knows about cancer, having discovered she had breast cancer at 22 to be faced with radical surgery and chemotherapy has been fundraising. Noleen refuses to put her life on hold and now, the charity she founded to help others facing breast cancer has presented a dazzling £50,000 to Friends of The Cancer Centre.
06 November 2003
Belfast women attend cancer awareness meeting
Women from community groups across Belfast attended a Cancer Awareness meeting today to discuss the effect of cancer in their communities and the importance of taking up invitations for Cervical and Breast Screening.
Belfast women attend cancer awareness meeting
Women from community groups across Belfast attended a Cancer Awareness meeting today to discuss the effect of cancer in their communities and the importance of taking up invitations for Cervical and Breast Screening.
09 September 2011
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
13 April 2022
QUB Announces Major Study Into Male Breast Cancer
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced the launch of a major study into male breast cancer. A new international consortium, known as MERGE, will discover and characterise new genetic risk factors for male breast cancer by analysing DNA from 5,000 men.
QUB Announces Major Study Into Male Breast Cancer
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced the launch of a major study into male breast cancer. A new international consortium, known as MERGE, will discover and characterise new genetic risk factors for male breast cancer by analysing DNA from 5,000 men.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
