April 24, 2002
UW seeks volunteers for phytoestrogen and soy study
Tofu hasn’t replaced apple pie, but from breakfast cereals to hamburger substitutes, soy products are becoming increasingly familiar items on the American menu. Soy products contain phytoestrogens, naturally occurring estrogens. For this reason, women in particular are interested in the health implications of eating a soy-rich diet.
Some postmenopausal women use phytoestrogens to alleviate hot flashes and mood swings. While health benefits of soy are still being discussed, researchers at the University of Washington are hoping to help breast-cancer survivors make more informed choices about soy intake based on sound scientific evidence.
UW researchers are seeking participants for a phytoestrogen trial designed to determine the effect of a dietary soy supplement on breast tissue changes. Eligible women are:
* Former cancer patients who have completed therapy for breast cancer involving only one breast
* Post-menopausal (either naturally or induced through chemotherapy or surgery)
* Now consuming fewer than four weekly servings of soy.
More information is available at 206-288-1444, by e-mail at phyto@u.washington.edu or online at: http://www.uwbreastcare.com/phytoestrogen_study.shtml/ The study is sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Initiative, the American Institute for Cancer Research, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
