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Milk Consumption May Increase Prostate Cancer
By Lawrence Jones, PhD
Although a lot of men may like drinking a cold glass of milk or a bowl of their favorite cereal, several studies reviewed in the article suggest that men who consume milk daily even in small amounts could face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Hormonal factors are a concern: Cow’s milk contains naturally occurring hormones like estrogen and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), both of which may promote cancer growth. Buhl (August 30, 2023) reports that several recent studies concluded that milk may put them at higher risk for prostate cancer. There are certain risk factors for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, some factors may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including:
- Age: Nearly 60 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Because it is often a slow-growing cancer, it could start in younger men but not show up on screening tests.
- Race. It is not clear why, but black men and are more than twice as likely as white men to die of prostate cancer.
- Family History: The more closely related a family member diagnosed with prostate cancer is to you, the greater the risk. For example, having a father with prostate cancer puts you at a higher risk than if your grandfather had prostate cancer.
- Obesity is associated with more dangerous, high-grade tumors. Body mass index (BMI) raises the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 10 percent.
Researchers Herby and associates (2023) reviewed several extensive studies linking cancer to dairy consumption. They pointed to two possible reasons why milk may increase prostate cancer risk: estrogen and something called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which are hormones produced naturally in cow’s milk.
- Low-fat and skim milk may be riskier: Surprisingly, these types of milk were associated with a higher risk than whole milk, possibly because estrogen binds more easily to watery substances.
- Even minimal intake matters: One study found that just a tablespoon of milk daily could increase risk, while 1¾ cups per day raised the risk by 25%.
Supporting Research
- A long-term study tracking 22,000 men over nearly 30 years found that those consuming 2.5 servings of dairy daily had a 34% higher risk of prostate cancer compared to those consuming less than half a serving.
- Another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed 30,000 men and linked higher dairy intake with increased prostate cancer incidence.
The experts are emphasizing that IGF-1 is a growth hormone that can stimulate cancer development and that cautiously cutting back on milk might not be enough to reduce risk. At least this provides helpful information in understanding the contributing factors to prostate cancer!
The Narrative Matters!
References:
Buhl, L. (August 30, 2023). Drinking Milk May Put You at Risk for Prostate Cancer. Milk Consumption and Prostate Cancer Risk: What Men Need to Know
Dillard, R. (October 21, 2022). Men With Higher Dairy Intake May Face Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer. GU Oncology Now. Men With Higher Dairy Intake May Face Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer | GU Oncology Now
Drake, I., Sonestedt, E., Gullberg, B., Ahlgren, G., Bjartell, A., Wallström, P., & Wirfält, E. (2012). Dietary intakes of carbohydrates in relation to prostate cancer risk: a prospective study in the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 96(6), 1409-1418.
Herby, A. R., Cullimore, J. P., Paul-Quinn, J. L., & Crosby, L. M. (2023). Dairy Intake and Incidence of Common Cancers in Prospective Studies: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, 5(1), 14-pp.
photo credit: CarlosGaw