Ask the expert

Including Soya in diet?

Question

I ask on behalf of my wife who is in remission from stage 3 Ovarian cancer. Would you consider Soya products benificial, neutral, or non benificial for her condition. Thank you

Answer

There is a great deal of interest in the role of soya foods, particularly in reducing the risk of certain cancers. Researchers noted that people living in Japan and south east Asia, where soya is a dietary staple, are less likely to have prostate, breast, womb and ovarian cancers. Research is underway to see whether these links are related. However, the fact that certain forms of cancer are less common in Japan and south east Asia does not necessarily mean that soya is the link, or that changing our diet would have the same effect. There are many genetic, dietary and lifestyle differences between people who live in Europe and the Far East, and any or all of these may play a role in what diseases we get.

I have been unable to find any definitive information on the effect of soya intake in people who have cancer, or are in remission, relating specifically to ovarian cancer. Further research is required before evidence based dietary recommendations regarding soya can be made.

Patients that are about to undergo, or those currently receiving treatment for cancer, are often advised to follow a diet that is high in protein and calories. This is because diet plays an important part in coping with treatment side effects, recovery, healing and fighting off infection.

If your wife is not currently undergoing cancer treatment, it may be appropriate that she returns to a ‘healthy eating’ diet. The timing of this will depend on factors such as:

  • is she currently experiencing any difficulties with her eating and drinking?
  • are there any dietary restrictions (e.g. fibre in the diet) following her cancer treatment?
  • is she maintaining her weight, and is she a healthy weight for her height? (Follow this link to the BMI calculator to work out whether she is a healthy weight for her height)
  • is any further oncological treatment planned?

Talking things through with your wife’s Doctor/Healthcare professional will help you identify nutritional goals. If you feel that you would like more detailed advice, your wife can ask her Hospital Doctor or GP to refer her to a Registered Dietitian.

If a healthy eating diet is recommended, the Food Standards Agency website contains some excellent practical tips and suggestions for eating well and soya which is a protein-rich food, low in saturated fat and cholesterol could be considered.

The Cancer Research UK website contains further information on how the things we eat affect our risk of cancer, and offers advice for eating healthily and reducing your risk.

Source: Nutrition in cancer Editorial Board