Frequently Asked Questions

Q - The May 2004 issue of Prevention Magazine says that women with ER+ breast cancer should not be eating flaxseeds. Help! I'm so tired of nutrition experts flip-flopping on their recommendations.

First soy for ER+ women was great, then it was bad, now soy is ok again. Is this caution about flaxseed for ER+ women just going through the same cycle?

What are your thoughts about flaxseeds for women with ER+ breast cancer? Are you still consuming flaxseeds on a daily basis?

I have lost count of the number of women who have also written me to ask this same question after seeing the recent article in the May 2004 issue of Prevention Magazine. However, it is not the first time I have been deluged with inquiries about this concern, which has been printed in other publications.

To further confuse the picture, Prevention had one past magazine in which two articles published within the same issue contradicted each other about the use of flaxseed for women with a history of ER+ breast cancer.

I have previously summarized my thoughts at the following FAQ already on my web site. At this point, I have nothing further to add. Please feel free to print out this information to discuss with your own oncologist, dietitian, or other health care provider.

Thanks!
Diana

FAQ posted 4/04

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Flaxseeds

	Is it safe to use flaxseeds whole? I have not found anything that will grind whole flaxseed.
	Is the omega-3 fatty acid content of brown flaxseeds and golden flaxseeds really different? updated 4/02
	Do you have more recipes using flaxseeds? posted 1/02, updated 4/02
	Should women with ER+ breast cancer avoid flaxseeds and flax oil that contain the phytoestrogens called lignans?
	Will taking my medications mixed with flaxseed powder and applesauce cause them to not be absorbed? posted 2/02
	How quickly does one need to eat ground flaxseed to prevent spoilage? posted 5/02
	What is the best way to clean out my coffee grinder when switching from grinding my coffee to flaxseeds? posted 12/02
	My husband had prostate cancer. Should he be avoiding flax? posted 4/03
	Does consuming flaxseeds potentially interfere with the anti-estrogen effect of Tamoxifen? posted 9/03, updated 2/04, updated 3/05
	Are flaxseeds safe to eat after heating? posted 1/04
	The May 2004 issue of Prevention Magazine says that women with ER+ breast cancer should not be eating flaxseeds. Do you agree? posted 4/04

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