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Flaxseed shown to be ineffective for treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients

Category: Breast

Despite previous evidence suggesting flaxseed may reduce hot flashes among among women who have received positive breast cancer tests, a new study has found that the food may actually provide little to no benefit.

Hot flashes are a common symptom associated with recovery from breast cancer. While the condition is not dangerous, it can interfere with a woman’s quality of life.

After following 188 women who were taking either a placebo or actual flaxseed, researchers from the Mayo Clinic found that there was little difference in reported symptoms of the two groups. This evidence is counter to the findings of a study conducted several years ago by the same group, which showed flaxseed may provide some benefit in this area.

"While preliminary data from our 2007 pilot study showed a reduction in hot flashes associated with the consumption of ground flaxseed, our new study did not result in a significant decrease in hot flashes with eating flaxseed compared to placebo," said Sandhya Pruthi, who led the study.

Researchers added that flaxseed may have other health benefits and should not be discarded entirely due to their findings. However, the food may have little relevance for treating the symptoms of breast cancer.