There is good news for people who drink a big glass of milk every day as it can help lower their bowel cancer risk by 17%, according to a comprehensive study published in Nature Communications conducted by University of Oxford researchers.As per the researchers, an extra daily 300mg of calcium, which is around the same found in half a pint of milk, was linked with a 17% lower risk of bowel cancer. Even having a non-dairy source of calcium like fortified soy milk could have a colorectal cancer-protective effect.
The research studied 97 dietary factors and their effects on bowel cancer risk in over half a million women. Done over 17 years, the study involved 12,251 participants.
The protective benefits can also be enjoyed by consuming 300 mg of other calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, yogurt and non dairy milks, which suggests that calcium can ward off prostate cancer risk.
On the other hand, consuming the same amount of alcohol every day could have the opposite effect. Researchers found that drinking the equivalent of one large glass of wine per day could raise the prostate cancer risk by 15%. Processed and red meats were also linked with higher bowel cancer risk.
Keren Papier, lead researcher of the study, told Cancer Research UK that calcium might protect against bowel cancer by binding to bile acids and free fatty acids, creating a harmless “soap” that prevents them from damaging the gut lining.
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers and it can be found anywhere in the large bowel including the colon and rectum.
Symptoms of bowel cancer
may include changes in your stool, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual, needing to use the toilet more or less often than usual, blood in the poo which may look red or black, bleeding from bottom, feeling the urge to poo frequently, tummy pain, a lump in the tummy, bloating, losing weight without trying, and feeling very tired for no reason.
Bowel cancer risk can be reduced by adding a lot of fibre, whole grains, fruits and vegetables to the diet, and avoiding processed meat. One can also lessen this risk by exercising regularly and quitting alcohol and smoking.
