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Mammographic densities in a one-year isoflavone intervention
G Maskarinec1, A E Williams, L Carlin
1Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. gertraud@crch.hawaii.edu
Summary
Isoflavone supplements did not reduce mammographic density in premenopausal women over 12 months. This study suggests isoflavones do not significantly impact breast cancer risk factors related to mammographic density.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Isoflavones, phytoestrogens in soy, have proposed estrogenic/antiestrogenic effects.
- Soy product consumption is investigated for its role in breast cancer development.
- Mammographic density is a known predictor of breast cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if isoflavone supplementation reduces mammographic density in premenopausal women.
- To test the hypothesis that isoflavones may lower breast cancer risk by affecting mammographic density.
- To evaluate the estrogenic effect of isoflavones on breast tissue.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month, double-blind, randomized trial with 100 mg daily isoflavone or placebo.
- Compliance monitored via urinary isoflavones and tablet counts.
- Computer-assisted analysis of mammographic density changes from baseline.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in dense area size or percentage density were observed.
- A non-significant decrease in breast area in the intervention group was noted, potentially due to methodological limitations.
- The study included 30 women with complete mammogram data.
Conclusions:
- Findings do not support the hypothesis that isoflavones decrease mammographic density.
- Isoflavones did not demonstrate an estrogenic effect on mammographic density comparable to hormone replacement therapy.
- Further research with larger sample sizes may be needed, but current evidence is limited.