the Soy Story
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Soy & Cancer

Soy and prostate cancer

In 2000, the International Prostate Health Council suggested that soyfoods, because they contain isoflavones, may be one factor contributing to the low Japanese prostate cancer rates 43 . Numerous animal and test-tube studies demonstrate that soy isoflavones protect against prostate cancer cell growth and reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the enlargement of the prostate gland. In addition, isoflavones may inhibit testosterone induced prostate growth 44 . In a comprehensive review of the scientific research to date, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) concluded in 2007 that there is evidence suggesting that soy foods reduce prostate cancer risk, although to date it is limited. Recently, a study of over 45,000 Japanese men found that the intakes of isoflavones, miso soup and soy foods was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of localised prostate cancer, and this effect was even more significant in men over 60 years of age 45 . Further research is needed to understand the role of soy foods in reducing prostate cancer risk, particularly the optimal time in life to introduce soy foods to gain maximum protective effects.

Background Information: Cancer in Australia and New Zealand
  • Cancer is a major cause of death in Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 30% of all deaths in Australia 46 and 29% of all deaths in New Zealand 46 .
  • 1 in 3 Australian males and 1 in 4 Australian females will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage of their life 46 . In New Zealand, 1 in 3 people are affected by cancer 47 .
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian and New Zealand women, representing 28.2% and 26% of all new cancer cases in Australia 48 and New Zealand 49 respectively.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian and New Zealand men, representing 26.3% and 27% of all new cancer cases in Australia 48 and New Zealand 49 respectively.
  • The incidence of breast cancer is 65.5 and 79.6 per 100,000 population for Australian and New Zealand (non-Maori) females respectively. The incidence in various Asian countries (per 100,000 population) is 34.0 in Hong Kong, 24.3-27.1 in Japan and 39.5 in Singapore Chinese 50 .
  • The incidence of prostate cancer is 50.4 and 37.8 per 100,000 population for Australian and New Zealand (non-Maori) males respectively. The incidence in various Asian countries (per 100,000 population) is 7.9 in Hong Kong, 6.8-9.1 in Japan and 9.8 in Singapore Chinese 50 .