Approximately one out of every three Americans will get cancer in their lifetime. The National Cancer Institute links one-third of all cancer cases to the use of tobacco and another third to the foods that we eat. In other words, approximately two-thirds of cancer cases can be prevented with diet and lifestyle modification.

Chinese and Japanese men and women have significantly lower rates of prostate and breast cancer than American men and women—approximately 90 percent less breast cancer in women and about 90 percent less prostate cancer in men. One of the main reasons for this is because of their high consumption of soy products. Even though the U.S. is the largest producer of soy in the world, Americans consume very little soy protein, if any. The Japanese people alone consume approximately thirty times more soy products than Americans.

What’s so great about soy? Soy contains powerful phytonutrients called isoflavones, such as genestein, which protect women from developing breast cancer and men from developing prostate cancer. Even if one has breast or prostate cancer, genestein will likely slow down the growth and the spread of cancer in the body.

I recommend that all my patients begin substituting soymilk and soy cheese for regular milk and cheese. I also encourage them to consume a soy protein drink daily. By mixing soymilk and frozen blueberries, strawberries, or other fruit in a blender, you can make a delicious and nutritious drink. This is an excellent way to start the day.