A new study in the UK provides further evidence suggesting that increasing calcium intake, for example by consuming one glass of milk per day, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
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Calcium and Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Researchers analyzed the diets of over half a million women over 16 years and found that a calcium-rich diet, such as consuming one glass of milk per day, can significantly lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Besides milk, consuming dark leafy greens, whole grains, and non-dairy calcium-rich drinks also showed similar protective effects.
The Role of Dairy and Other Calcium Sources
A study conducted by the University of Oxford and Cancer Research UK showed that dairy products, due to their calcium content, are likely effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Foods such as non-dairy milks, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits like dried figs also contain calcium and have a similar protective effect.
How Calcium Works
Calcium may protect against colorectal cancer because it can bind to bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, reducing their potential cancer-promoting effects.
Risks of Processed Meat and Alcohol
The study also found that excessive alcohol consumption and processed meats have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Drinking one large glass of extra wine per day or adding 30 grams of red or processed meat to the diet increases the risk by 8–15%.
Key Findings of the Study
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Calcium intake: Adding 300 mg of calcium (about one large glass of milk) to the diet reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 17%.
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Processed meats and alcohol: Excessive consumption can increase risk.
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Healthy diet: Eating breakfast cereals, fruits, whole grains, fiber, and vitamin C also helps reduce risk.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Recommendations
Experts recommend maintaining a healthy diet, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking as the best ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Other organizations also advise a balanced, fiber-rich diet.
Read More:
Importance of Calcium for Health
Calcium is essential for strengthening bones and teeth, but new evidence suggests it may also help protect against certain cancers, including colorectal cancer. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich calcium sources. Foods like tofu, broccoli, and sardines are also high in calcium.
Increasing Rates of Colorectal Cancer
In the UK, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer, with about 44,000 new cases diagnosed annually. While most cases occur in older adults, incidence rates are also rising among those under 50.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
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Changes in bowel habits (including diarrhea, constipation, or thin stools)
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Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
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Sudden unexplained weight loss
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Extreme fatigue or unexplained shortness of breath
If any of these symptoms are observed, consulting a doctor is recommended.
According to studies listed on PubMed and the journal Advances in Nutrition, calcium intake can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 17%. These findings are based on a large UK study of over 542,000 women followed for 16 years. Researchers at the University of Oxford and Cancer Research UK concluded that calcium in milk binds to bile and fatty acids in the colon, reducing their carcinogenic effects.
Other studies also indicate that high dairy consumption is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and related mortality. In particular, consuming milk and cheese has been linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer in men.
Drinking one glass of milk per day can be part of a healthy diet to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, to ensure its benefits, this intake should be combined with other healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and processed meats.
