Milky worry
A long-term study followed 8,894 men for prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality over at least two decades. The results showed that milk intake, especially in the first 20 years of life, was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Daily milk consumption in adolescence was associated with a 3.2-fold risk of advanced prostate cancer later in life. Cows’ milk contains insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which directly promotes cancer growth. High intake of animal fat has been also associated with increased testosterone levels and high testosterone levels may increase prostate cancer risk.
Torfadottir, J.E., et al., 2012. Milk Intake in Early Life and Risk of Advanced Prostate Cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology.175 (2) 144-153.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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