Commentary by Dr. Donald Greig
We are always seeking ways to support your health and well-being. Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating a simple yet nutritious beverage into your daily routine: a glass of milk.
The Research Findings
A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, published in Nature Communications, revealed that consuming a glass of milk daily can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by nearly 20%. Specifically, the study found that 300mg of calcium—the amount in one glass of milk—is associated with a 17% lower risk of developing this disease.
Key Insights from the Study:
Calcium's Role: Both dairy and non-dairy sources of calcium showed similar protective effects, indicating that calcium is likely the main factor in reducing bowel cancer risk.
Extensive Data: The research analyzed dietary information from over 542,000 women over an average of 16 years, examining the link between 97 different food items and nutrients and bowel cancer risk.
Bowel Cancer in the UK
Bowel cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in both in Hong Kong and the UK, with approximately 6,500 and 44,000 diagnoses each year respectively. Understanding how diet can influence this risk is crucial, and the findings from this study provide valuable insights into prevention strategies.
Other Dietary Considerations
While a glass of milk can be beneficial, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet. The study also identified several dietary factors that can increase the risk of bowel cancer:
Alcohol Consumption: An additional 20g of alcohol per day (about a large glass of wine) was linked to a 15% increase in bowel cancer risk.
Red and Processed Meat: Increasing your intake by just 30g a day was associated with an 8% higher risk.
Recommendations for a Healthy Diet:
Limit Alcohol and Processed Meats: Aim to cut down on alcohol consumption and be mindful of red and processed meat intake.
Increase Fruits, Vegetables, and Wholegrains: A diet rich in these foods can further help lower your risk.
Incorporate Dairy: Including milk and other dairy products can be part of a diet aimed at reducing bowel cancer risk.
Rising Cases in Young Adults
It's important to note that bowel cancer rates among young adults in England are rising sharply. Studies indicate that poor dietary habits may contribute to this trend. The increase in rates for those aged 25 to 49, which has averaged 3.6% annually, highlights the urgent need for preventive measures through diet and lifestyle. A similar trend in under 50-year-olds has been observed in the USA.
Incorporating a glass of milk into your daily routine may play a significant role in reducing bowel cancer risk. However, it should be part of a broader approach that includes a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco.
We encourage you to discuss any dietary changes with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your individual health needs.
Stay healthy and informed!
A glass of milk a day could cut bowel cancer risk
Article by: Ellie McDonald
 A glass of milk a day cuts bowel cancer risk by nearly a fifth, research has found. The findings, published in Nature Communications, showed that foods and drinks rich in calcium such as milk and yoghurt were associated with a lower risk of a bowel cancer diagnosis. Conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, the study found that 300mg of calcium — the amount in a glass of milk — is linked to a 17 per cent lower risk of the disease. Calcium was found to have a similar effect from both dairy and non-dairy sources, suggesting that it was the main factor responsible for cutting risk. Researchers from Oxford Population Health used dietary information from more than 542,000 women over an average of 16 years to investigate the link between 97 products and nutrients and bowel cancer risk. There are about 44,000 cases of bowel cancer every year, according to Cancer Research UK, making it the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Dr Keren Papier, lead researcher and senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, said: “This is the most comprehensive single study ever conducted into the relationship between diet and bowel cancer, and it highlights the protective role of calcium in the development of this disease. “Further research is needed to understand the health impacts of increasing calcium in different populations.” |
The study also found a clear link between alcohol consumption and higher bowel cancer risk, as drinking an additional 20g of alcohol a day, equivalent to a large glass of wine, was found to cause a 15 per cent increase in risk across the cohort.
Red and processed meat were among the other dietary foods associated with higher chances of bowel cancer — with 30g more per day linked to an 8 per cent increase in risk.
Sophia Lowes, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, said: “Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting people in the UK, which is why it’s so vital that we know how to prevent it.
“Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, alongside keeping a healthy weight and stopping smoking, is one of the best ways to lower your risk of bowel cancer.
“This includes cutting down on alcohol and red and processed meat, and eating lots of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains. Dairy products like milk can also be part of a diet which reduces bowel cancer risk. We look forward to further research, including into the effects of specific ingredients like calcium, to ensure fewer people are impacted by this devastating disease.”
Cases of bowel cancer in young adults are rising more sharply in England than anywhere else in Europe, according to a study that suggested a poor diet could be to blame.
The study, published in The Lancet Oncology, looked at rates of the disease in 50 countries and found that bowel cancer in those aged 25 to 49 was rising rapidly, particularly in the West.
In England, rates increased by an average of 3.6 per cent every year in the decade to 2017 — the fourth steepest rise after Chile, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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