1. Phyto-Oestrogens and Breast Cancer
Phyto-oestrogens are a group of naturally occurring chemicals derived from plants; they have a structure similar to oestrogen, and form part of our diet. They also have potentially anticarcinogenic biological activity. The authors did a case-control study to assess the association between phyto-oestrogen intake (as measured by urinary excretion) and the risk of breast cancer. Women with newly diagnosed early breast cancer were interviewed by means of questionnaires. A 72 hour urine collection and blood sample were taken before any treatment started. Controls were randomly selected after matching for age and area of residence. 144 pairs were included for analysis. After adjustment for age at menopause, alcohol intake, and total fat intake, high urinary excretion phyto-oestrogen was associated with a substantial reduction in breast-cancer risk. These findings could be important in the prevention of breast cancer.

2. Phyto-Oestrogens also known as: Lignans
What they are: Plant hormones similar to, but weaker than, human estrogens that are believed to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer; also to minimize the mood swings and hot flashes associated with menopause. Some medical researchers believe that phyto-oestrogens may one day supplant current estrogen-replacement therapy; unlike estrogen, their downside is nil. Phyto-oestrogens, now identified in some three hundred plants, are grouped as coumestans (bean sprouts, red clover, sunflower seeds), lignans (rye, wheat, sesame seeds, linseed) and isoflavones (many fruits and vegetables, but most of all soybeans and soy products). From THE NUTRITION BIBLE, Jean Anderson and Barbara Deskins. Copyright 1995 by Jean Anderson and Barbara Deskins. By permission of William morrow & Company, Inc.

Case-control study of phyto-oestrogens and breast cancer.
Ingram D, Sanders K, Kolybaba M, Lopez D

Lancet 1997 October 4; 350 (9083): 990-994