Australian breast cancer study seeks participants

RMIT University researchers are seeking healthy, postmenopausal women to participate in a study to determine if diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk breast cancer.

"Previous research indicates that flaxseed may contain compounds that protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer," Leah Williamson, a postgraduate researcher at RMIT's Department of Food Science, said.

"These compounds, called phytoestrogens, work at lowering levels of estrogens linked to breast cancer. Flaxseed is particularly high in one such phytoestrogen, lignan, which is believed to reduce the enzymes and the estrogens that cause the breast to produce potentially cancerous cells.

"We are collaborating with Melrose Laboratories to study the potential benefits of flaxseed in reducing the risk of breast cancer and the time it takes to do so."

One in 10 Australian women develops breast cancer, making it the most common cancer and one of the most prevalent diseases in Australian women.

"The aim of the research is to assess the relationship between flaxseed and breast cancer, and to suggest diets that can be incorporated into the lifestyle of women at risk," Ms Williamson said. "Our goal is to lower breast cancer risk and to improve long-term quality of life."

The study, titled "Time taken for Flaxseed Lignans to Effect Biomarkers of Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women", is seeking postmenopausal women in metropolitan Melbourne. Participants must be healthy, not on hormone replacement therapy, non-smokers and at least one year menopausal.

In addition to consuming their normal Western diet, fewer than five alcoholic drinks per week and no more than three caffeinated beverages per day, the women will provide urine and blood samples for evaluation.

Their body weights will be measured and self-reported diet records monitored.

Women interested in taking part in the study should contact Leah Williamson on (03) 9925 3967 or [email protected]

Media interviews: Leah Williamson (03) 9925 3967 or 0422 505 124