Scary dairy prostate cancer link
Researchers examined 47 studies published between 2006 and 2017, including over one million participants, looking at the effects of animal and plant-based foods on prostate cancer risk. Results showed that men who ate the most dairy were up to 65 per cent more likely to develop the disease while those following vegan diets were up to 36 per cent less likely to develop it.
Lead author Dr John Shin, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, said: “Our review highlighted a cause for concern with high consumption of dairy. The findings also support a growing body of evidence on the potential benefits of plant-based diets”.
They note that in countries where the intake of dairy products is high, prostate cancer rates are high, while in countries in which the intake of dairy products is low, prostate cancer rates are low. This may be because animal protein and dairy products increase levels of the growth factor IGF-1 in the body. High IGF-1 levels are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer as well as lung, bowel, ovarian and breast cancer.
Previous studies have also shown that increased consumption of animal products is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. For example, several studies have found a link between meat (especially red meat) intake and prostate cancer. The authors of this review suggest that the production of carcinogenic compounds (heterocyclic amines) during the cooking of meat, as well as hormonal and other nutrient effects may be to blame along with the fact that meat doesn’t contain the cancer-fighting compounds plant foods do such as polyphenols and flavonoids.
Around 47,700 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK each year. In men, it is the most common cancer in the UK, claiming the lives of over 11,000 every year.
Find out more about prostate cancer and diet.
Find detailed information on and dairy and prostate cancer and meat and prostate cancer.
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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