Skim Milk / Lo-Fat Milk Linked to Prostate Cancer
Another reason to go vegan: Non-fat/lo-fat milk consumption has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Two separate studies showed a correlation between non-fat or low-fat milk consumption and the risk of prostate malignancies.
The most recent study, conducted by Dr. Yikyung Park, of the National Cancer Institute, found no link between dietary calcium and the number of early-stage prostate cancer. However, non-fat milk consumption of two or more glasses per day was positively linked with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. This study population was made up of over 290,000 adult males.
An earlier study, conducted by Dr. Song-Yi Park of the University of Hawaii, indicated no link between calcium or vitamin D from any source and an increased risk of prostate cancer across all ethnic groups. However, the study did suggest an increased risk of localized, non-aggressive tumors. (Whole milk was linked to a decreased risk, but there are a whole host of other negative health effects associated with full fat dairy products.) The study population was made up of over 82,000 adult male residents of California and Hawaii.
For further reading:
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
- American Journal of Epidemiology - NCI Study
- American Journal of Epidemiology - U. Hawaii Study
- Reuters
Related Information:
Great post!
I was among the masses who initially ramped up my dairy intake substantially after becoming vegetarian; despite the animal rights issues I had recently learned about, I still felt we “needed” the nutrition from the milk. Later, upon reading works like The China Study, I said goodbye to the milk and cheese and started heading toward a vegan diet and lifestyle.
I’m glad to see there has been some additional research done in this area.
Dave W.
Thanks Dave,
We still haven’t read The China Study yet, but I think it’s probably time to get it from the library.
Lane
Actually, it’s the PROTEIN in milk that promotes cancer. Any animal protein does.
Just one example: in the 70s, scientists investigated the relationship between liver cancer and protein (casein) in rats . They gave aflatoxin to the rats, a carcinogen known to cause liver cancer. When then the rats’ diet contained 20% of casein, the cancer grew; when it was 5% percent, the growth stopped. They pretty much switched the cancer on and off at will, just by changed the rats’ diet. BUT when they fed the rats 20% protein from plants (soy, in this case) no cancer growth whatsoever could be detected – it didn’t matter how much aflatoxin or (plant) protein the rats got, the cancer wouldn’t grow. And there were/are further studies that show a statistically significant correlation between the the so-called diseases of affluence such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer (f.e. of the prostate, breasts, colon…) and animal protein.
Well, I know, this sounds unlikely… especially because a mere “comment” is not the place to inform about every aspect of this and other studies, but I strongly recommend reading “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell: http://www.thechinastudy.com/about.html
It’s so worth it!
Hi Nadine,
Thanks for the comments. I’m not a scientist nor am I a doctor, so I really can’t comment on your comment that it is the protein in milk which causes cancer, although I have since read articles indicating that excessive protein (of any source) is linked to an increased cancer risk in general.
The NCI and U Hawaii studies that are referenced in this post are linking prostate cancer to low fat milk (not the protein in milk).
It’s interesting that scientists in the 70s were basically able to switch cancer on and off by changing the diet fed to laboratory animals. But that study is 30 years old… I’m surprised that there hasn’t been more recognition of this fact.
As for the soy/cancer relationship, that is most confusing to us. Jane’s cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and the doctors told her specifically to AVOID all soy products. Wouldn’t it be nice if there could actually be a conclusive medical study that everyone agreed on?
As for “The China Study” — I’m on the waiting list for inter library loan. A few people have suggested it. I can’t wait to read it.
Now im starting to been vegan, is amazing how the food acts on your body, specially the milk increasing the posibilities of cancer.
sir, can u clarify if really milk is only the cause of ca of prostate or there are other causes?