Soy (and phytoestrogens) are safe and helpful in breast cancer

December 9th's JAMA has an interesting study in it which is receiving a lot of press already. An analysis of over 5,000 Chinese women who survived breast cancer was conducted at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Xiao Ou Shu (and others) reviewed the women's intake of soy alone and in combination with Tamoxifen, and found significant evidence that consumption of soy at levels of about 1/4 cup of tofu daily is actually quite protective and lessens the chance of breast cancer recurring. There were over 30% fewer cases of recurrence in the women who consumed about 11 grams of soy protein daily.