A plant compound called phytoestrogen could help reduce the risk of mortality from breast cancer by up to 40 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
In the Western world, people obtain most of their phytoestrogens through lignans, which are contained in seeds, wheat and vegetables. Lignans – which are found in high concentrations in flaxseeds – are converted into enterolactone within the body, and can attach to estrogen receptors, at which point the researchers believe the compound can encourage cell death and slow the growth of new blood vessels, to the detriment of tumors.
German researchers looked at blood samples from 1,140 women who had been diagnosed with postmenopausal breast cancer. They found that the women with the highest levels of enterolactone had an approximately 40 percent lower mortality risk.
"We now have first clear evidence showing that lignans lower not only the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer, but also the mortality risk," explained lead author Dr. Jenny Chang-Claude. "By eating a diet that is rich in wholemeal products, seeds and vegetables – which is considered to be health-promoting anyway – everybody can take in enough lignans."
The researchers do not, however, recommend taking dietary supplements until the compound is better understood.