Because this was an observational study rather than a trial, it cannot definitively prove that calcium or other foods prevent cancer or increase the likelihood of cancer.
However, researchers say the study is “the largest to date on diet and bowel cancer”, giving them confidence that they are moving in the right direction. This finding is also consistent with the conclusions of previous studies.
The study looked at more than 12,000 women with colorectal cancer and looked at about 100 foods and nutrients in their diets to assess potential links.
Professor Janet Cade, a nutrition expert at the University of Leeds, said the paper “provides important evidence that diet as a whole can influence the risk of colorectal cancer”.
Professor Andrew Prentice, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said that while “the jury is out on this”, he doubted that calcium supplements could have a preventive effect given the study results. are.
The takeaway for Professor Tom Saunders of King’s College London: ‘Drinking above the safe limit of alcohol intake (more than 14 units a week) increases a woman’s risk of colorectal cancer, but only about half the amount of alcohol consumed “increases the risk of heavy drinking.” A pint of milk a day is probably protective. ”
Dr Lisa Wilde, from Bowel Cancer UK UK, said someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer “every 12 minutes” and half of all bowel cancers could be prevented with a healthier lifestyle. says.
“Even if you don’t drink milk, there are other ways to get calcium from foods like broccoli and tofu and still reduce your risk of colon cancer,” she says.
