According to Cancer Research UK, 54% of all cancer cases can be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle. Important risk factors for cancer include smoking, lack of physical activity, alcohol, processed meat consumption and poor diet.
A new study has found that drinking an extra 20 grams of alcohol a day (the equivalent of a large glass of wine) increases the chance of developing bowel cancer by 15%. However, consumption of more than 30g of red and processed meat per day was associated with an 8% increased risk of colon cancer.
In the new study, researchers used a new, two-pronged approach to examine the link between dairy consumption and colon cancer risk. First, they analyzed genetic data from more than 542,000 women and focused on changes in DNA associated with lactase stability and the ability to digest lactose in adulthood.
Second, the team collected detailed information about the participants’ diets. Including milk consumption.
The results of the analysis showed that participants who consumed an extra 244 grams of milk per day (equivalent to about one large glass containing 300 mg of calcium) were 17% less likely to develop bowel cancer. This was applied to different types of milk, including whole, semi-skimmed and skim milk.
It also appeared that the protective effect of milk did not depend on other nutritional factors and lifestyle habits.
The reasons for these health benefits of milk are not fully understood. However, experts give various explanations for this. First of all, milk is a rich source of calcium, which has previously been linked to a reduced risk of bowel cancer. The second reason is that many dairy products are enriched with vitamin D, which has anti-cancer properties. Finally, milk contains conjugated linoleic acid, which may also have anti-cancer effects.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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