Phytoestrogens in Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds which can bind to estrogen receptors and induce estrogen-like effects in mammals. These compounds and food sources are actively being studied for their potential to modulate estrogen-associated health and disease processes. One group of phytoestrogens, the isoflavones, have received a lot of attention in recent years for their role in modulating breast cancer growth and development. This seminar will review the role of phytoestrogens in breast cancer prevention and treatment, and highlight the areas of controversy which have surrounded phytoestrogen research in recent years.