Diet for breast cancer

@resort The type of cancer we seek to prevent from recurring may influence diet. I had HR+, HER2- BC and my oncologist told me to avoid foods with plant estrogen. I researched flax seed, tofu, beans, etc. and the recommendation is to avoid these because while these foods help prevent some cancers, they help stimulate recurrence of others, such as the BC I had. Consequently I stopped eating flax seed. I do feel somewhat stymied over the exhortations to eat healthy AND avoid certain healthy foods: what can I eat that helps more than hurts?

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this website:
https://foodforbreastcancer.com
It offers helpful information but I sometimes wonder about certain statements. In the section "Foods can reduce some aromatase inhibitor side effects" it states, "Women should not use copper bracelets or copper compression garments to relieve arthritis pain. Copper has been shown to contribute to angiogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer." But I have been unable to confirm that finding elsewhere and no sources are provided.

So now I'll need to ask my oncologist or PA about this copper claim since I have a pair of copper fit socks and I like them!

I am curious about patients drinking hibiscus tea after treatment for estrogen-related breast cancer. There seems to be a lot of controversy about this. Has anyone on the forum done a deep dive on this subject? Thank you. The following was copied from a website. I’ll try to edit this comment and give the reference if I can find it again.

Why People Think It Increases Estrogen

Hibiscus contains phytoestrogens – natural plant compounds that have a similar chemical structure to human estrogen. When you drink hibiscus tea, these phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors in your body and produce weak estrogen-like effects.

This is why some sources say hibiscus “increases estrogen” – they are referring to estrogenic activity, not actual estrogen levels.

Why Research Suggests It May Decrease Estrogen

Several studies (including those in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology) show that high doses of hibiscus extract may lower circulating estrogen over time.

The proposed mechanism: hibiscus may affect aromatase (the enzyme that produces estrogen), leading to reduced synthesis.

I have been studying estrogen. How it is the life hormone. Listen to this podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keeping-abreast-with-dr-jenn/id1697193398

@maryliz22503 Thanks for that info. I've been adding ground flaxseed to foods to help with my terrible GI issues. In fact, we just bought a new bag. 😔

This is a perfect example of the plethora of conflicting inform regarding diet and advice on reducing recurrence. I have asked about many things that have come up on the forum with my Oncologist, and they have given their blessing on what I'm trying to do. Here's an article about flaxseed/oil off WebMD that further shines light on so much conflicting info:
https://www.webmd.com/uterine-cancer/flaxseeds-and-cancer-warnings-what-you-should-know.
I have actually tried getting a food list of recommended foods and those discouraged for our type of cancer (HR+), and flaxseed will be on both the lists from the same source. Yikes!

@lila13 I know! As someone who likes flaxseed, I've resumed adding it to my yogurt about 5 days out of 7. I wish there was a definite yes, it's good or no, it's bad. But there isn't. I just looked at the website I'd mentioned earlier and it has an extensive entry on flaxseed and frankly, I haven't even read it yet.

This is the same site that suggested some caution with copper garments and I'm not sure how rock solid that advice is. I have my doubts.
https://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/flaxseed

There was a Breast Cancer Support Network meeting tonight (they meet by Zoom every Monday, it's for people with non-metastatic breast cancer, Stages 1-3) where the guest was Dr. Laura Rhaney from Mayo. I specifically asked about flaxseed, and she said it's fine.

Also, Lisa Ellsworth, PA-C at Mayo, did a study on supplements and their effects on breast cancer. I've attached it; I found it to be very informative.