Dutch researchers investigated the association between phyto-oestrogen intake and breast cancer risk in a large prospective study in a Dutch population with a habitually low phyto-oestrogen intake. The study population consisted of 15 555 women aged 49–70 years who constituted a Dutch cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC; 1993–1997). Data concerning habitual dietary intake in the preceding year were obtained by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. The content of isoflavones and lignans in relevant food items was estimated through a literature search, the use of food-composition tables and contact with experts. Newly diagnosed breast cancer cases up to 1 January 2001 were identified through linkage with the Comprehensive Cancer Center Middle Netherlands. Hazard ratios for the disease were estimated by Cox proportional hazard analysis for quartiles of isoflavone and lignan intake. Associations were adjusted for known breast cancer risk factors and daily energy intake. A total of 280 women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer during follow-up. The median daily intakes of isoflavones and lignans were 0.4 (interquartile range: 0.3–0.5) and 0.7 (0.5–0.8) mg/day, respectively. Relative to the respective lowest intake quartiles, the hazard ratios for the highest intake quartiles for isoflavones and lignans were 1.0 (95% CI: 0.7, 1.5) and 0.7 (0.5, 1.1), respectively. Tests for trend were non-significant.