For years, milk has been touted as a health staple, but emerging research raises questions about its potential link to breast cancer risk.
A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology provides evidence associating cow's milk consumption with higher breast cancer rates. In certain cases, this risk could rise by up to 80%.
Lead researcher Dr. Gary E. Fraser notes: "Even a quarter or third of a glass of milk daily may increase breast cancer risk by 30%. One glass per day raises it by 50%, while two to three glasses elevate it by 70-80%."
This eight-year study tracked over 53,000 cancer-free North American women aged 30 and older. By the end, 1,057 developed breast cancer.
Researchers attribute this to sex hormones in milk, as 75% of dairy cows are pregnant during milking.
No such link was found with soy milk.
Source: ScienceDaily
This article, originally from Santé, references a study published February 25, 2020, in the International Journal of Epidemiology by Loma Linda University researchers. It offers preliminary findings, not definitive conclusions, amid ongoing breast cancer research.
When shared on Facebook, fact-checkers from Knack consulted Flemish experts. Here's their assessment:
"The Santé article claims a glass of cow's milk daily boosts breast cancer risk by 50%, quoting a researcher on smaller amounts (30%) and higher intake (70-80% higher)."
Very Interesting
Prof. Johan Verhaeghe, head of gynecology-obstetrics at UZ Leuven, notes prior consensus (from a 2018-2019 meta-analysis of eight studies) found no major milk-breast cancer link. He calls this study "extremely interesting" due to its scale—nearly 53,000 U.S. Adventist women followed for eight years—with notable milk intake variations (8% abstain, 42% low, 50% average).
However, as an observational study, it requires randomized trial confirmation. Unmeasured factors (e.g., lifestyle differences among non-dairy consumers) could confound results. "Remain cautious; no single study warrants conclusions," Verhaeghe advises.
He questions its publication tier, speculating on analytical issues or resistance to new ideas.
Weaknesses
Prof. Herman Depypere, gynecology head at UZ Gent's menopause-breast clinic, highlights limitations: no randomization, unclear adjustments for weight, exercise. BMI extremes were excluded, but obesity triples risk. Health-conscious women (more soy, exercise, slimmer) drink less milk, masking effects. Missing corrections for risks like alcohol, smoking undermine claims. Depypere sees no milk-cancer proof.
Not Yet Proven
Experts agree: one study isn't enough for guidelines. Future research, ideally randomized, may clarify. Until then, moderate dairy; prioritize weight control, exercise, limited alcohol.
Conclusion
The Santé claim stems from this flawed study. More evidence needed. Currently, no proven link.
Source: Knack
