Study says soy helps prevent cancer

To the editor:

Although it may not be the most appetizing item on the menu in a man's diet, soy does help in the fight against prostate cancer, contrary to how the Associated Press reported on a recent study by the American Heart Association.

Quite simply, the study states, "Soy É prevent(s) the development and growth of prostate cancer in animal models. In prostate cancer cells, genistein (the active ingredient of soy) reduced the synthesis of prostate-specific antigen, a marker of prostate cancer development."

To go a step further, the National Cancer Institute completed a study shows that a soy-based drug, phenoxodiol, significantly delays tumor progression in men suffering from late-stage prostate cancer. Soy also reduces hormone levels and exhibits weak estrogen and anti-estrogen-like qualities which promotes hormone treatments for both prostate and breast cancers, according to researchers at the University of Michigan.

Just look at diet. Millions of Asian men can't be wrong. Soy is a staple food in most Asian countries, and it's not a coincidence that prostate cancer in Asian countries is a fraction of what it is in America.

Prostate cancer is the second deadliest cancer in America. Annual early detection and eating nutritious meals with helpings of soy can make the difference in the fight against prostate cancer.

Dr. RICHARD N. ATKINS, CEO, National Prostate Cancer Coalition, Washington