Can eating soybeans cause breast cancer? Leading oncologist spills some facts

Cancer rates are on the rise, especially among the youth. Of late, there has been a discussion on whether soybeans contribute to breast cancer risk. Dr. Jayesh Sharma, a leading cancer surgeon based in Raipur, India, has now weighed in on if soy is linked to increased cancer risk.

Soybeans are a nutritional powerhouse

Soy and its products are excellent sources of protein. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and many nutrients, including potassium and magnesium. Soy is often a go-to protein option for people on a plant-based diet.

100 grams of boiled soybeans contain:

• Calories: 172
• Water: 63%
• Protein: 18.2 grams
• Carbs: 8.4 grams
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Saturated: 1.3 grams
• Monounsaturated: 1.98 grams
• Polyunsaturated: 5.06 grams

Well, there is no doubt that soybeans are packed with essential nutrients. But do these benefits come at the expense of one’s health?

Does soybean cause breast cancer?

Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic human estrogen. Dr. Sharma explained that human estrogen binds to cells and can drive changes that increase cancer risk. However, the phytoestrogens are about 1,000 times weaker. They act like a faulty key that enters the lock but doesn’t open it, preventing stronger human estrogen from binding.

He also stressed that soybeans have, in fact, proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies also confirm that. A 2016 study found that among Asian women, higher soy consumption is associated with an approximate 30% reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. “So, in breast cancer survivors who regularly eat soybeans, the risk of breast cancer again is reduced by 25-30%,” the cancer surgeon said in a video shared on Facebook.

Dr. Sharma also noted that soybeans provide more protein than chicken. “Soybean has 52% protein, which is more than chicken. It also has fiber, some types of minerals. It also fits in our diet,” he said. However, the doctor has cautioned people about being aware of who should avoid consuming soy beans and also what’s in the soy products they buy. “Thyroid patients should not take soybeans without consulting their doctor,” the oncologist said. He added, “There is a lot of palm oil and sugar in the soya chunks available in the market. So always check the label before buying.”


Many experts have confirmed that soy products are safe and healthy. The health benefits of eating soy appear to outweigh any potential risk.

Dr. Marissa Shams-White, Senior Principal Scientist in the American Cancer Society's Population Science department, in a statement, said, “A large body of evidence supports the safety of soy foods as part of a healthy diet. Research studies have found that consuming soy foods is associated with a decreased risk or no change in risk for cancer. Some of the confusion around the safety of soy foods has been due to some earlier study findings in mice and rats compared to humans, and some misconceptions around a phytochemical naturally found in soy foods called isoflavones.”