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Listen to this siteFriday 22 July 2005
This research project aims to investigate phytoestrogen intake and systemic exposure to phytoestrogens in a group of post-menopausal women previously diagnosed with breast cancer.
Study Duration : July 2005 to December 2006
Contractor : Winchester and Eastleigh NHS Trust
There is a lack of detailed exposure studies of specific sub-groups in the UK who may take in relatively large amounts of phytoestrogens due to their dietary preference or ethnic origin. Recent studies suggest that breast cancer patients are particularly likely to increase their phytoestrogen intake, either because they wish to avoid using hormone replacement therapy or because they believe phytoestrogens may help avoid a recurrence of the disease.
A total of 300 post-menopausal women currently participating in the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (UK) will be included in the project. As part of this study, the women have completed 4-day food diaries and these will be used to estimate intake of specific phytoestrogens. Additional intakes from supplements will be determined by laboratory analysis of the supplements. Systemic exposure to phytoestrogens will also be assessed in a sub-group of women by means of a 24-hour urine collection.
The researchers plan to determine the specific food groups (including beverages) and supplements that provide the greatest source of phytoestrogens among these women.
Treatment with anti-oestrogenic drugs, such as tamoxifen, and the oestrogen receptor status of the women will also be determined, and compared with levels of phytoestrogen intake.
Furthermore, a sub-group of women will be interviewed using a specially designed questionnaire to investigate the influence of breast cancer diagnosis on the women's decision to consume or avoid phytoestrogens.
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