Phytoestrogens - can they help prevent breast cancer?
assess whether certain foods could influence a breast cancer
tumour's characteristics, thought to be the first study of its
kind.
Dr Margaret Ritchie from the University of St Andrews is embarking on a two-year project to investigate a possible link between exposure to certain foods and a breast cancer tumour's characteristics, ranging from its aggressiveness to its reaction to cancer treatments.
The research may also establish whether phytoestrogen exposure reduces the risk of breast cancer recurring.
It could lead to phytoestrogen supplements being given to women most likely to develop the disease, such as women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or those in socially deprived groups.
"We already know that diet influences the incidence of many cancers but little is known about the effect of diet on the characteristics of cancers which actually develop. Ultimately, this work could improve a woman's survival rate and give her a much better prognosis," said Dr Ritchie.
Two groups of women will be involved in the study - those with breast cancer and those opting for breast reduction who are free from disease. The study will use validated food frequency questionnaires and a database of biomarkers of phytoestrogen intake and phytoestrogens, previously developed by Dr Ritchie.
Each year, nearly 40,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.
