Could consuming milk and cheese increase prostate cancer risk? A comprehensive Mayo Clinic review of 47 studies involving over a million participants suggests a connection. Notably, dairy provides most dietary calcium in Western countries, where prostate cancer rates are highest.
Prostate cancer develops slowly, often showing no clinical symptoms for years, per the World Cancer Research Fund. Advanced stages bring urinary issues like frequent urination, weak stream, retention, and infections.
It represents about 26% of male cancers worldwide, making it the most common in men. Risk surges to 66% in men over 65.
Dairy is the primary calcium source in Western diets, yet these regions report the highest prostate cancer incidence. In Asia, with low dairy consumption, cases are rare.
Published online October 21, 2019, in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed 47 studies with over a million participants. Findings confirm dairy consumption elevates prostate cancer risk.
Several mechanisms may explain this. Excess calcium from dairy may inhibit conversion of vitamin D 25(OH) to its active form, which curbs prostate cell proliferation. Dairy also contains estrogens, female hormones linked to prostate cancer.
Additionally, dairy boosts IGF-1 growth factor levels, promoting tissue growth. While essential in moderation, elevated levels can fuel cancer.
Mayo Clinic experts recommend plant-based diets to lower risk, noting no similar link with other animal products like meat.
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