Recent research conducted by Oxford University and Cancer Research UK has provided new evidence supporting the idea that consuming more calcium may help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. The study, which analyzed the diets of over half a million women over 16 years, found that an extra 300 mg of calcium a day about the amount found in a large glass of milk can lower the risk of bowel cancer by 17%.
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests a healthy diet, rich in calcium, plays an important role in cancer prevention. While calcium is widely recognized for its role in bone health, this study shows that it may also provide protective benefits against certain cancers, including bowel cancer.
Calcium’s Protective Role in Bowel Cancer
The study highlights the connection between dairy products, non-dairy milks fortified with calcium, and a reduction in bowel cancer risk. Lead researcher Dr. Keren Papier from Oxford University explained that the positive effects are largely attributed to calcium’s ability to bind to bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, thus minimizing their potentially carcinogenic effects.
Calcium can be found in a variety of foods, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and non-dairy alternatives such as soya and rice drinks. Other sources include leafy greens like curly kale, dried figs, and canned sardines. The study suggests that individuals who include more of these calcium-rich foods in their daily diet may enjoy a lower risk of developing bowel cancer.
While the study’s findings are compelling, it also sheds light on some dietary habits that can increase cancer risk. The researchers found that alcohol consumption and the intake of red and processed meats were linked to higher risks of bowel cancer. Specifically, drinking an additional large glass of wine a day or consuming an ounce more red or processed meat could raise the risk by 15% and 8%, respectively.
The Growing Prevalence of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with around 44,000 cases diagnosed annually. While the disease is more common among older adults, the incidence rate is rising among younger individuals under the age of 50. Experts attribute this trend to various factors, including poor dietary habits, obesity, and other lifestyle-related issues.
Symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and chronic fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment.
Expert Opinions and Broader Implications
Although the study is observational in nature and cannot definitively prove that calcium alone can prevent cancer, the researchers are confident that their findings align with previous research on the topic. The study investigated over 100 food products and nutrients, and the results provide valuable insights into how our diets can influence the risk of colorectal cancer.
Nutrition experts agree that this research emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Prof. Janet Cade from the University of Leeds noted that the findings support the idea that diet can indeed influence colorectal cancer risk. Additionally, experts like Prof. Andrew Prentice from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are exploring the possibility that calcium supplements might also offer similar protective benefits, though more research is needed in this area.
For those who do not drink dairy milk, Dr. Lisa Wilde from Bowel Cancer UK emphasized that there are other sources of calcium, such as broccoli and tofu, that can still contribute to lowering bowel cancer risk.
Incorporating a glass of milk into your daily diet could be a simple yet effective way to help reduce the risk of bowel cancer, thanks to its calcium content. However, a holistic approach to cancer prevention including maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding processed meats, and quitting smoking is crucial. By adopting these lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly improve their chances of staying cancer-free.
