Milk can cause breast cancer
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Women who drink more than 200 ml of milk daily are at risk of developing breast cancer. This information was announced by scientists representing Loma Linda Health University in California (United States).
According to the recommendations of nutritionists from different countries, milk is considered completely safe for health: it is allowed to be consumed optimally about three glasses a day. But Professor Gary E. Fraser conducted a study in the course of which he found that drinking even less milk can lead to the development of breast cancer .
During the experiment, experts analyzed the diet of more than 50 thousand American women who had no problems with the mammary glands at the time of the study. All participating women completed special questionnaires, in which they indicated how often they drink milk, whether they have a hereditary predisposition to the development of oncological diseases. Other questions included: the degree of physical activity, medication (including hormonal), alcohol consumption, childbearing and gynecological history.
In general, the study was carried out for eight years, after which the experts summed up some results. Among the participants in the control group, more than 1000 cases of breast cancer were recorded in eight years. After further evaluation of the results, the scientists concluded that all cases detected were associated with regular milk consumption. Moreover, it was enough to drink up to 100 ml of the product so that the risk of contracting a malignant process increased by 30%.
Drinking 200 ml per day increases the risk by 50%, and drinking 400-600 ml increases the risk of cancer by 75%.
Experts did not notice the relationship between the development of tumors and the consumption of yoghurt, cheese or soy milk.
Experts believe that the link may be due to the presence of certain hormones in milk. It has previously been shown that dairy products and other proteinaceous animal foods lead to an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 in the bloodstream. This factor is associated with the development of some types of cancerous tumors.
Dairy products do contain many nutrients. However, do we all know about them? Maybe some of the effects of milk aren't all that good?
Professor Fraser advises that if possible, it is better to replace cow's milk with a soy equivalent.
Information published on the pages of Loma Linda University of Health.