“A Glass of Milk a Day May Lower Bowel Cancer Risk: UK Study Reveals Protective Role of Calcium”

A large UK study has found compelling evidence that increasing calcium intake, equivalent to a glass of milk daily, could significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Conducted by researchers at Oxford University and Cancer Research UK, the study analyzed the diets of over half a million women over 16 years and revealed that calcium-rich foods, including dairy and non-dairy sources, offer protective benefits against bowel cancer.

Calcium’s Role in Reducing Cancer Risk

The study suggests that adding just 300mg of calcium to your daily diet, roughly the amount found in a large glass of milk, can lower the risk of bowel cancer by 17%.

“It highlights the potential protective role of dairy, largely due to calcium, in the development of bowel cancer,” said Dr. Keren Papier, the lead researcher.

Calcium appears to bind to bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, reducing their potentially carcinogenic effects.

Other Protective Foods

While dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt are the most common sources of calcium, other calcium-rich foods include:

• Dark leafy greens like kale
• Bread
• Fortified non-dairy milks (e.g., soya, almond, or rice milk)
• Sardines
• Tofu and nuts

Breakfast cereals, fruit, whole grains, and foods high in vitamin C and fiber also showed a slight protective effect against bowel cancer.

The Risks of Alcohol and Processed Meat

The study confirmed that certain lifestyle habits increase the risk of bowel cancer.

• Drinking an additional large glass of wine (about 20g of alcohol) daily raises the risk by 15%.
• Consuming just 1oz of red or processed meat, such as a slice of ham, daily increases the risk by 8%.

Why Bowel Cancer Is So Prevalent

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 44,000 new cases diagnosed annually. While it primarily affects older adults, rates are rising among individuals under 50, possibly due to poor diet and obesity.

Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or breathlessness

Experts advise seeing a doctor if any of these symptoms are noticed.

The Takeaway: Diet and Lifestyle Matter

The study is observational and cannot definitively prove causation, but its findings align with previous research, making it the largest investigation into diet and bowel cancer to date.

Nutrition expert Prof. Janet Cade from the University of Leeds emphasized that the study highlights the influence of overall diet on cancer risk. Dr. Lisa Wilde from Bowel Cancer UK echoed this, noting that nearly half of bowel cancer cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyles.

For those who avoid dairy, calcium can be sourced from alternatives like broccoli, tofu, and fortified plant-based drinks. Experts agree that a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol and processed meat are key steps to reducing bowel cancer risk.

The study serves as a reminder that small dietary changes, like a daily glass of milk or its calcium-rich alternatives, could make a meaningful difference in preventing this common and often preventable disease.